George Kenneth Skibbe

George Kenneth Skibbe, 79, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Born Sept. 26, 1942, to Kenneth and Clazina (Blocker) Skibbe, he was second oldest of six children.

Upon graduating from Eau Claire High School in 1960, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army at Mansfield Kaserne with the 11th Armored Cavalry in Straubing, Germany, for 31 months during the Berlin Crisis, April 1961 through October 1963.

For three years he worked for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad in Benton Harbor, and 31 years at Whirlpool. In retirement he drove special education students for 10 years for Careful Transit.

On July 1, 1967, he married Virginia Franz at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Sodus, where he was a member. They enjoyed 54 wonderful years together traveling to many states and countries. Also, he was a member of Southwestern Michigan Car Collectors and Whirlpool Golden Eagles.

He enjoyed listening to music, especially Elvis, owning old cars and reading about them, as well as watching sports on TV, going out to eat with friends, and spending time with his grandsons, who called him “Grumps” (for a reason!).

Survivors include his loving wife, Virginia; daughter, Heather (Dan) Poole of Niles; grandsons, Parker and Chase; siblings: Walter, Donald and William (Diane) Skibbe, Linda (Jim) Styburski, and Joyce (Jerry) Emhoff; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, George is preceded in death by his son, Scott Kenneth (4-1/2 months old) in 1975.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated after the funeral service. The family will welcome friends at 1 p.m. prior to the service at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. A meal will be provided after the service.

Memorials may be given to Chapel Hill, Caring Circle of Lakeland, or Berrien County Cancer Service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home, Eau Claire. www.bowermanfuneral.com.

George will be forever missed by his relatives and friends who enjoyed his sense of humor and talkativeness. He was a good man!