Walter Aldrich Skibbe
March 8th, 1940 - December 23rd, 2021
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Walter's Obituary
Walter Aldrich Skibbe, 81, of Eau Claire, passed away at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital St. Joseph on December 23, 2021. Born March 8, 1940, to Kenneth and Clazina (Blocker) Skibbe. He was the oldest of six children.
Walt was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in Eau Claire, MI. After Zion closed, he became a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Watervliet, MI.
Upon graduating from Eau Claire High School in 1958, he began working at Twin City Plating and then Industrial Rubber as an inspector. Shortly thereafter he followed his love for working on the family farm. For the last 60 years he owned and operated Walt Skibbe Farms in Eau Claire, MI. He was well known for his variety of fruits and vegetables. Walt was very proud of his award one year for producing the first flat of strawberries at the Benton Harbor Fruit Market. Most will remember his fresh apple cider! Walt was extremely hard working and loved being outside on the farm. Walt enjoyed going to deer camp with friends and family. He also treasured the many years he traveled to Florida for the winter and spent lots of time fishing.
He is survived by his daughter Susan (Matt) McMahon of Zeeland, son Mark Skibbe of Buchanan, stepson Jason Braaksma of Eau Claire, stepdaughter Amber Braaksma; grandchildren Tyler and Brittany McMahon, step-grandchildren Kasey Price, Blaine and Alaina Frank, first wife Jean Skibbe of Eau Claire, siblings Donald Skibbe, Linda (Jim) Styburski, William (Diane) Skibbe, and Joyce (Jerry) Emhoff; sister-in-law Virginia Skibbe and many nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his dedicated farm employees and customers at the South Bend Farmer’s Market and the Oak Park Farmer’s Market.
Along with his parents, Walt is preceded in death by his son, Michael Skibbe, wife Karen K. Lee, and brother George Skibbe.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 10:00 am with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:00 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A private burial with family will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Watervliet or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Walt was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in Eau Claire, MI. After Zion closed, he became a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Watervliet, MI.
Upon graduating from Eau Claire High School in 1958, he began working at Twin City Plating and then Industrial Rubber as an inspector. Shortly thereafter he followed his love for working on the family farm. For the last 60 years he owned and operated Walt Skibbe Farms in Eau Claire, MI. He was well known for his variety of fruits and vegetables. Walt was very proud of his award one year for producing the first flat of strawberries at the Benton Harbor Fruit Market. Most will remember his fresh apple cider! Walt was extremely hard working and loved being outside on the farm. Walt enjoyed going to deer camp with friends and family. He also treasured the many years he traveled to Florida for the winter and spent lots of time fishing.
He is survived by his daughter Susan (Matt) McMahon of Zeeland, son Mark Skibbe of Buchanan, stepson Jason Braaksma of Eau Claire, stepdaughter Amber Braaksma; grandchildren Tyler and Brittany McMahon, step-grandchildren Kasey Price, Blaine and Alaina Frank, first wife Jean Skibbe of Eau Claire, siblings Donald Skibbe, Linda (Jim) Styburski, William (Diane) Skibbe, and Joyce (Jerry) Emhoff; sister-in-law Virginia Skibbe and many nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his dedicated farm employees and customers at the South Bend Farmer’s Market and the Oak Park Farmer’s Market.
Along with his parents, Walt is preceded in death by his son, Michael Skibbe, wife Karen K. Lee, and brother George Skibbe.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 10:00 am with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:00 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A private burial with family will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Watervliet or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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