Thomas Arthur Skuza

OBITUARY Thomas “Tom” Arthur Skuza, formerly of Becker, passed away at home in Alexandria, MN on November 9, 2014 at the age of 72. He was born December 6, 1941 in Minneapolis, MN to Arthur and Emma Skuza. Tom grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and graduated from Vocational High School in 1959. He joined the Navy on April 1, 1962 proudly served until June 10, 1966. Tom served 3 tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. Hancock, 7th Fleet. After the Navy he became a Route Salesman for PepsiCo in Burnsville where he retired from after 35 years. In June 1962 he met “his bride” Donna and they married on January 1, 1964. After 50 years of marriage not a day passed that he didn’t refer to her as “his bride”. They started their family in Blaine, MN and later moved to Becker, MN in 1972 where they stayed until 2007. Tom joined the Becker Fire Department in September 1978 as a firefighter. He proudly served on the department for 26 years. During that time he was a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Training Officer, Assistant Chief and retiring as Chief in September 2004. Tom was also a certified fire instructor for the State of Minnesota and a member of FIAM. During his time on the department he made many lifelong friends. After moving to Alexandria he decided he needed a hobby and had always loved trains. He joined the Alexandria Model Railroad Association where he made many additional friends. During his time with the club they traveled around the state of Minnesota sharing their love of trains with others. Although he was very dedicated to his job, the most important aspect of his life was his family. He cherished the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Being a grandfather was the best job in the world because you don’t have to change the diaper. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and playing cards with the family. Tom was known for his sense of humor and love of candy. He loved being retired and living on the lake. Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years and 10 months, Donna of Alexandria, MN, son Richard (Tracy) Sioux Falls, SD, daughter Sally (Greg) Venema, St Michael, MN; Daughter in Law Sherrie Skuza, Fargo, ND; 7 grandchildren Travis, Kirsti, Nick, Kiley, Kassidy, Karianna and Mitchel; his brother, Doug Skuza, Clear Lake, MN; his mother in law, Dorothy Zoerb, Minneapolis, MN; brother in law Donald (Jeanette) Zoerb, Palmer, AK; sister in law Dawn (Jon) Rasmussen, Kennett Square, PA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom is preceded in death by his son Jeff Skuza, parents Arthur “Art” and Emma Skuza, father in law Donald W. Zoerb Sr, brother in law Dale Zoerb and sister in law Diane Thorson. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Honorary Urn Bearers were all of Thomas’s Grandchildren. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net

Thomas Arthur Skuza

December 6, 1941 - November 9, 2014