Michael John Skille

MADISON - Michael J. Skille, age 67, of Madison, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at UW Hospital. He was born on November 19, 1958, in Madison, Wis., the son of Leo and Marian (Schiavo) Skille.

Mike graduated from Madison Memorial High School and Madison Area Technical College. He met Lori Linde the love of his life by chance at a Badgers Football game in 1979.  They were married on June 30, 1984, at Lakeview Moravian Church. Together, they welcomed their only child, Amy Elizabeth, in 1989.

Mike worked as a driver for many years with Kessenich’s and UW Health Care Direct. He had an amazing ability to strike up conversations with businesses and customers, making many friends along the way.

Mike enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures, a beautiful sunrise or a glimpse of an unusual bird. He loved golfing, both around Madison and during trips up north. He was passionate about giving back and in September of 2013, he organized an annual golf outing to support brain cancer and Alzheimer’s research. This tournament grew to a 40-card event with over 160 golfers. He loved playing cards, swimming at Hill Farms Swim Club and attending Amy’s dance recitals. One year he was even part of the show. Amy was Cinderella and Mike was Prince Charming and he placed the sequin slipper on her foot. Together, they exited the stage with cheers from the audience and surprise from the family who did not know he was going to make a cameo visit.

He was also a devoted Badgers and Packers football fan. He proudly attended every Badgers home game for an incredible 30-year streak, never missing a weekend home game. Mike had a great love of hockey and knew the game well. He enjoyed coaching youth hockey. He was a Badgers Hockey season ticket holder. He worked for many years with Madison West Athletics. Mike was very passionate about giving back to youth athletic programs in his community.

Mike especially loved the Northwoods and cherished the many summers spent visiting family there. These places, traditions, and the time spent with family brought him great joy and created many lasting memories.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Lori; his advocate and caregiver. She encouraged him along the way with dignity and was steadfast with him throughout his illness as they faced many storms of uncertainty and waves of hope together.

Mike is also survived by his cherished only child, Amy (Ross) Gilbertson; grandchildren, Cooper Gilbertson and Linden Gilbertson; brothers-in-law, Michael (Nancy) Linde and George Linde Jr.; sister-in-law, Rebecca Thomas; brother, Lee (Carrie) Skille; sister, Laura (Ken) Sanden, uncle, Gene Skille; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, George Linde; mother-in-law, Romelle Linde; brother-in-law, Vince Rossetti; nephew, Brian Linde; and many aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held at EAST MADISON BAPTIST CHURCH, 4917 Milwaukee St., Madison, at 12 noon on Friday, September 18, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
 

The family wishes to thank the UW Hospital, UW Medical Foundation, UW Rehabilitation Hospital, Meriter Hospital, Palliative Care Team and Arbor Gate.

Special thanks to Pastor Bob Ray at East Madison Baptist Church for placing the seeds of faith and hope for an eternal life with Jesus into Mike’s already loving heart. Thanks to everyone at EMBC for all their thoughts and prayers as well. Finally, thank you to family and friends who remained ever present in our lives. Your texts, calls and cards lifted us.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mike’s name to East Madison Baptist Church or to a fund Mike had established for his grandchildren’s future education. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420