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Skoda, Alvin Eugene 1930 - 2021

SKODA, BUSKA, BRONNER, MORROW, FLATTUM, FREILINGER, CHRISTIANSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/25/2021 at 11:10:11

Alvin (Al) Eugene Skoda died peacefully the early morning of December 16, 2021, at the age of 90 years in his home, just a few days short of his 91st birthday. He was born on Christmas Eve in 1930 in Lawler, Iowa, to Louis and Eleanor (Busta) Skoda, the third of four children. He was raised in Cresco his entire life attending the Catholic schools and graduating in 1949 from Notre Dame High School. He was baptized, confirmed, married, and attended Assumption Catholic Church. He was proud of his Czech heritage and Catholic faith.

In high school, he excelled in all sports; he was a gifted athlete. He especially excelled in baseball. His proudest moments were playing baseball around the local area as a young man. He was especially proud of the young Cresco team he was a member of and the time he, as a catcher giving the pitcher the signal calls, struck out a major league player. He was a long-time member of the Cresco Country Club and especially fond of his Thursday Men’s Night foursome. He was a big supporter of his grandsons’ sporting events, never missing an entire game for first-born Jeff except for once when he was hospitalized. This was quite an accomplishment! He was fond of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers (attending games at Milwaukee County Stadium with friends and taking grandson Jeff to Lambeau Field for 11 years in a row, where great memories were made). He was also a bowler in his younger years competing in national championships.

He entered the United States Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War enlisting before the draft. He proudly served his country stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1954 with rank of Sergeant. He was very proud of being a veteran. He was proud to be a small-town Iowa boy and given the opportunity to visit several countrysides in Europe. He formed many friendships during this time. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW for over 65 years.

After returning from Germany, he met and fell in love with Shirley Bronner. They were married at Assumption Catholic Church on August 6, 1956, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. To this union, three daughters were born: Diana Morrow (Jim) of Decorah, Iowa; Denise Skoda, Rochester, Minnesota; and Darcie Skoda (Scott Flattum) of Plainview, Minnesota. He was blessed with several grandchildren: Jeff (Molly) Morrow of Denver, Iowa; Jamie Freilinger (Brent) of Decorah, Iowa; AJ Morrow of Decorah, Iowa; and Dylon Flattum of Plainview, Minnesota. He was also honored to be a great-grandpa to Bennett and Blaire Freilinger of Decorah, Iowa. All were the joy and talk of his life. He was extremely proud and they gave him such great joy and happiness.

He was a long-time businessman in Cresco. His greatest achievement was being owner of The Hub Mens’ Clothing Store for many years.

There was never anything he couldn’t fix or make better. He was a perfectionist and skilled handyman.

Al was a great story teller and conversationalist. He never met a person he couldn’t strike up a conversation with and he loved to talk and socialize. He was an honest, charming, and dapper man! He was the ultimate gentleman and role model. We will miss him dearly but he will never be forgotten. He lives in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arnold (Cresco) and Adrian (New Hampton). He is survived by his sister, Anna Mae Christianson, of Cresco.

A celebration of life was held in his home on Thursday, December 16, 2021, by all members of his immediate family. He was celebrated and sent off by his family in the grand fashion he so deserved. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Al’s famous quote was “keep smilin.”

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”

Source: Hindt Funeral Home database


 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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