Jean C. Skinner

MADISON/MIDDLETON-Jean C. Skinner, 87, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at UW Hospital. Jean was born on October 19, 1923, in Yankton, SD, and was the only child of Rubin H. And Laura (Mines) Cabney. Jean was proud of her heritage. Her grandfather, Antoine Cabney was considered the first white child born on Nebraska despite the fact that he was one-fourth Omaha Indian. Antoine was born in 1827 and Jean’s father, Rubin, in 1875, making her only two generations removed from early frontier life. Jean graduated from Central High School in Sioux City, IA, in 1942. She married John L. Skinner on December 1, 1944, in Sioux City. They lived in Middleton for many years and were very active in the Middleton Area Historical Society and the community. In 2003, Jean and John were recipients of the Middleton Good Neighbor Festival Award. Jean was an avid collector of Chicken brooches and xmas ornaments ans was frequently asked to give presentations and to display them at numerous events. During their yearly trips abroad, she enjoyed searching for items to add to her collection. Jean was a certified genealogist and a member of the Genealogical Society of London (England), the Wisconsin History Society, the Nebraska History Society, the Middleton Area Historical Society and the Catholic Church. She was a consummate volunteer. For more than 20 years she volunteered at the micro film room of the Wisconsin History Society and for more than 25 years at Wisconsin Vital Records. Because she was handling protected records she signed a contract of confidentiality with the State of Wisconsin. Jean received a personal letter from President Reagan commending her for the volunteer work. Wisconsin Governor Earl also recognized her with a letter of appreciation. She loved to conduct tours of youngsters through the Middleton Area Historical Society museum and was well informed on its collection of Depression glass. Jean is survived by her husband, John, and tow children, John Jr (Delphine) Skinner of Madison and Janice (Jeff) Lynn of Marine on St. Croix, MN. She was preceded in death by three granddaughters, Deborah Skinner, Jaime Lynn and Jenna Lynn. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, on Thursday, August 11, 2011, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, where a prayer service will begin at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Middleton Area Historical Society or to the Wisconsin History Society. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, on Thursday, August 11, 2011, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, where a prayer service will begin at 2:00 PM. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, on Thursday, August 11, 2011, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, where a prayer service will begin at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Middleton Area Historical Society or to the Wisconsin History Society.