Joseph Edward Skala, age 90, passed away June 19, 2013, at his son’s home in rural Blooming Prairie.
Joseph was born March, 3, 1923 in Bagley, MN, to parents Frank and Agnes (Matejcek) Skala. His mother passed away three weeks after birth, and in 1929, his great aunt Josephine and uncle John Kubicek brought him to their farm home in Summit Township and raised him after his father’s death.
He Joined the U.S. Army in June 16, 1946 serving in Korea and was honorably discharged November 14, 1947. Joe was united in marriage to Mary Ann Simon on May 17, 1949, where they farmed in the Litomysl area until retiring in 1986, moving to Owatonna.
He was a life member of the VFW. He loved being a farmer all his life, and also did some custom work. He enjoyed playing cards, telling jokes and fishing. But most of all he enjoyed and loved his whole family.
Joseph is survived by his two daughters, Mary (Wayne) Sommers, Ellendale, Florence “Flory” (Gary) Anderson, Owatonna; nine sons, Ed (Sharon), Tom (Lisa), all of Blooming Prairie, Dick (Connie) of Eden Prairie, Dave (Vickie), John (Toni), Steve, Fran (LaKlenza), Ron (Dawn), Joe (Michele) all of Owatonna; 33 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren (with six more on the way); and a step-sister Agnes Titera. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; infant daughter, Agnes; two sisters, Sr. Francella and Sr. Immolata; brother, Frank; two half-brothers; and two step-brothers. We would like to express a special thank you to our brother Steve for all his care he has given our dad over the years.
Visitation will be on July 5, 2013, from 4-8 p.m. at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home, (1603 Austin Road) and one hour prior to the Mass at the church beginning at 9 a.m. There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. July 6, 2013, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Litomysl. Interment will be at the church cemetery. Military honors provided by the Steele County funeral unit.
Condolences may be expressed at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com. Memorials preferred to St. Isidore’s Catholic school or Holy Trinity Catholic church.