Obituary for Gary Skon

Gary L. Skon, 77, of Pittsville, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after struggling with COPD for years. In the same way he dealt with all experiences in life, Gary managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. In his final days, he was surrounded by his family, who he adored more than anything else in the world.

 

Gary was born on November 1, 1944 in Harlingen, TX to George G. and Margaret M. (Pengra) Skon. He was a 1962 graduate of Wadena High School in Wadena, MN. He proudly served in the United States Navy from October 15, 1962 until his honorable discharge on February 28, 1966. Gary served aboard the USS Shelton supporting the Vietnam War.

He married the love of his life Katharine Louise Koch on January 30, 1965 in Wadena, MN.

Gary worked in sales until establishing Pittsville Housing and Realty in 1980. After years of serving the Pittsville area he retired in 2008.

While running a successful business he enjoyed 50 years of summer Canadian fishing trips and cherished time spent on his hunting land with his wife, family, and friends.  Gary had a gift of gab and knew no strangers.

While we were all blessed by Gary, he felt extremely fortunate to be surrounded by his most treasured neighbors, Jerry & Chris Meyers and John & Sue Becker. Of all things in his life, his most cherished gift was the love and friendship of his best friend, his wife.

Gary is survived by his wife, Katharine and their children: Gary Skon of Tomah, WI, Teresa (Kenneth) Chatham of Mansfield, TX and Daniel (Amanda) Skon of Burleson, TX. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Chantal Skon, Jenea Skon, Greg Skon, Savannah Skon, Kevin (Michelle) Chatham, Amber (Parker) Beck, Tim Chatham, Chase (Brianna) Grantz and Molly Grantz.  He has three great- grandchildren:  Karter Chatham, Klaire Chatham, and Bella Chatham. He is further survived by a brother Robert (Shirley) Skon of Bemidji, MN and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death by his daughter Monica Margot Skon, parents George and Margaret Skon, and brothers, George and Douglas Skon.

Memorials may be designated to Shriners Children’s Hospital, Tunnels to Towers, Pittsville American Legion and VFW.

A very special thanks to all of our family and friends for their love and support.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com

The Memorial Service will be held at the United Church of Christ, Pittsville, WI on Thursday August 25, 2022. Visitation begins at 9:30 with the service at 11:00. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Following the service, burial will be at Mound Cemetery, Pittsville, WI. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 153 of Pittsville. Buchanan/Rembs Funeral Home, Pittsville, is assisting the family.