Steve Skalski

A warm, approachable, and all around likable guy, Steve Skalski made life so much fun. He lived a life that spanned several decades that was filled with numerous enriching experiences, but nothing was of greater significance than being with the ones he loved. Steve was a devoted father to be sure, but it was his grandchildren who really put the sparkle in his eye. He wasn’t one to worry about building wealth or accumulating possessions, rather, he lived a life fully embracing everything he was given with a courageous spirit and a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. A man of honor, integrity, and strength, Steve will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his family and friends.

The decade of the 1920s, often recalled as the Roaring Twenties, brought us some of the most vibrant days we have ever seen as innovation fueled countless advancements that transformed the way we lived our everyday lives. Washing machines and refrigerators became part of our homes while more affordable cars, thanks to the assembly line, allowed us to travel places that were impossible before. Radios brought the world around us within our reach, and it was during this time that Calvin Coolidge became the first United States President to have his inaugural address broadcast over the airwaves. It was also during this exciting time that Lois and Tony Skalski were filled with unspeakable joy as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on August 19, 1922.

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Steve experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. His family heritage was an important part of his life, and it was also while growing up that he learned the value of hard work. Steve was a student at local schools who went on to graduate from high school.

New and exciting changes were in store for Steve when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Lucy Bobilya, and they met while working at the paper mill. They were a perfect pair who complimented each other beautifully as she was a city girl while Steve was a farmer. However, it wasn’t long after they met that the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Steve and Lucy were married in June of 1942. The newlyweds moved into an apartment over her mother’s home and were soon delighted to discover that they would be parents. Their happiness was short-lived, however, as they soon learned that Steve would be shipped out to serve overseas during the days of WWII. Sadly, he was not able to be present when John was born in 1943. Steve and Lucy faced another challenge when he was wounded while serving in 1944. He was shipped to a military hospital where he endured a long and demanding recovery over the nine months that followed.

Once again together, the family later grew to include one more active boy, Dennis. They eventually bought a home in Kalamazoo that needed some fixing up and then later sold it. This became something Steve and Lucy did a few times over the years. Steve worked hard to support his family, usually seven days a week, which allowed Lucy to focus her time and attention on their home and raising their boys.

After retiring, Steve and Lucy were bitten by the travel bug and traveled extensively in their motorhome. The Upper Peninsula was one of their favorite places to be. In fact, it has been said that they were able to take in the beauty of every waterfall in the entire Upper Peninsula! Steve and Lucy also had more time to spend at their cottage on Wall Lake, eventually selling their home in Kalamazoo and living at the cottage all year. This allowed Steve to partake in one of his favorite hobbies, ice fishing. It was also during the eighties that they began spending their winters in Florida, and by 1989 they were ready to make Florida their permanent home. They sold their cottage and found the perfect community in Ft. Meyers called Plantation Estates. Steve enjoyed being home and especially enjoyed watching Fox News, and during his younger years he took part in various park activities that kept him busy. He was more than willing to volunteer his time doing things like opening the pool, and for several years Steve looked forward to going out with the guys every Thursday. Watching old westerns, collecting coins, stamps, and hats, and impressing everyone with his loud tropical shirts were also among his favorite pastimes.

Although he was a man of many interests, there was nothing that Steve treasured more than sharing his life with the people who meant the most to him. A grandpa who was more proud would be hard to find, and Steve has been called the best grandpa ever. He loved laughing at the jokes his family made, calling them a bunch of comedians while quickly pointing out that, “Lucy does not have any sense of humor!” He was also a dog lover, especially when it came to miniature greyhounds as they had one after the next including Sammy, Peppi, and Sampson. Even his son’s dog, Paris, had a special place in his heart, and they were like two peas in a pod. Paris was a true companion that even got up when Steve needed to take his pills or have lunch.

With unconditional love extended toward everyone he met, Steve Skalski was a blessing to those around him. He was the sort of person who would talk to anyone, and his lively sense of humor kept those around him laughing once he really got going. In fact, Steve was the life of the party among his neighbors in Florida. Life will never be the same now that he is gone, but Steve’s legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow him.

Steve Skalski, of Fort Myers, FL, died on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Steve’s family includes his two sons, John (Excelsia) of Illinois and Dennis of Fulton; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m., Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Steve’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook and share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make contributions to the charity of their choice.