Mary Skinvik
May 10, 1929 - September 07, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Mother "closed her door" on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, and went on to everlasting life without pain. She was born on May 10, 1929, to Bill and Frieda (Hofer) Albers in Madison, Wis. She grew up on a farm and apple orchard on the west end of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus where the WARF building now stands. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1947. Shortly after graduation the family sold the farm and moved to Middleton, where she went to work for Pet Milk Company as a bookkeeper. She also helped haul milk cans when short on delivery drivers.
Mary met Ronald John Skinvik in high school and after an on again/off again romance, they were married Aug. 8, 1959, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Monona with a reception in the backyard of Ron's parents, Jack and Eleanora Skinvik. Mary gave us three beautiful daughters, Linda, the twins, Debra and Dianne, and gave all the love a mother could give to our adopted son, Bill. Her strong German disposition and love for family set the foundation for the success of the next generations.
She loved spending time at the lake cottage. She spent many happy hours gardening, boating and fishing, then in the winter, snowmobiling. She loved the many bus trips with our church friends and the adventures and misadventures of two trips to Europe with our U.S. Air Guard family.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Frieda Albers; sister, Arlene (Roy) Heinrichs and brother, Russel (Mary) Albers. She is survived by her loving husband, Ron; daughters, Linda (Brian) Reinholtz, their children Kristina Reinholtz and Jeffrey Reinholtz; Debra Skinvik; and Dianne (David) Wollin, their children Josh Wollin, Jacqui Wollin and Jessie Wollin; and her son, Bill Skinvik.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, private services were held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The River Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Pete Ducato
Other •
Dear Dianne & Linda,
Enza & I was deeply saddened to hear of your Mother’s death recently. Although we didn’t know her personally, we hope that you will accept our most sincere sympathy and condolences. We truly hope that you and your family can gather the strength and courage to endure during this difficult time.
God Bless!
Sincerely,
Pete & Enza Ducato
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Linda Combee
Other •
A mother's love is never lost. Your memories and love will live with you forever. Our heart felt sympathy to the entire family. Linda and Shag Combee
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Skip Foster
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Skin, Sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her, and usually getting instructions about how to properly clean the cabin on Porter Lake after the boys used it during deer hunting. I remember stopping by the cabin once, and was surprised to see all the new remodeling you were doing at the time, and Mary said "we're spending the kid's inheritance!" She had a way with words. Our condolences to you and your family. Skip & Kathy Foster
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Linda martin
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I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was one of the sweetest and kindest ladies I have ever known. One of my favorite memories of Mary is when I would visit and she would say “it’s time for our tea” and she would serve up root beer - my favorite beverage! Ron would talk for hours with me about his military days and then Mary would intervene and say “let’s talk about what’s new with you” - always thinking about helping others whenever she could. Now when I look at the dollhouse furniture she gave to me, I will treasure it with special memories knowing that they came from Mary. What a kind and gentle soul Heaven gained this week. Prayers for all the family during this difficult time but know that she is in God’s loving arms now. Peace and blessing to all of you, Linda Martin
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Robin Koenig
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My sincere condolences Ron.
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Jim Greshik
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Skin, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our memories of Mary are that she was a lovely lady and a joy to be around. It was always enjoyable visiting with you two at our annual squadron Christmas parties. It was a treat for us to visit with you for a short time at the fighter pilot retiree reunion last year. On a personal note, there is no doubt in my mind that my military career path would have taken a much different turn without your mentoring and by the strong leadership example you set during those early years after I joined the WIANG. It is difficult to express how much I appreciated your support during those trying years of my unemployment from Eastern Airlines. The long and short of it, you were my hero then and you remain my hero today! Skin, you take care and, again, our sincere condolences for your loss. Jim & Kat Greshik