Donald L. Skamfer, 100, of Eau Claire passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.
Don was born on July 17, 1916, the son of Carl and Lillian Skamfer. He married Gail Gruber in 1939 and they had 66 wonderful years together, which included 27 winters in Winter Haven, Florida.
Don was a WWII veteran serving in the Pacific. After being honorably discharged he began his career with the US Postal Service, retiring after 34 years as Superintendent of Mails. He then worked at First Wisconsin Bank in the commercial loan department. He was an avid golfer, having played for over 76 years. He shot his age many times and parred the last hole he played at age 90.
Don and Gail had four loving children, Mike (Karen) Skamfer of The Villages, FL and their children, Alan (Heather) Skamfer and Rob (Christi) Skamfer; son, Ric (Jeanine) Skamfer of Santa Maria, CA and their children, Ron Skamfer, David (Mona) Skamfer, and Amy Skamfer (Jeff Fairbank); daughter, Linda (Ron) Dustan of The Villages, FL and their children, Elizabeth (Mike) Sautebin and Andrew (Amanda) Dustan; and daughter, Gail Ann (Lori Anda) Skamfer of Menomonie, WI; 8 great-grandchildren, Ryan Skamfer, Emily and Ean Sautebin, Jacob and Josephine Canada, Elliot and Charlotte Dustan, and Braylen Skamfer; brother, Carl (Adele) Skamfer; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Don in death were his parents; wife, Gail; brothers, Robert and Russell and their spouses.
A celebration of life service will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 11:00 am with visitation an hour before the service at the church. Friends and family are welcome to join after the service for a small lunch at the church. Memorials should be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1804 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
Dear Mike and Karen…Dick and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father…It is hard to say goodbye to our parents..but isn’t it a blessing that we know our Heavenly Father…We want you to know we will be praying for you and your family..we send our Love..
What a joyous and celebrated long life he lived. Carl & I loved hearing your stories how Mike’s dad lived so independently and still insisted on driving his own car. Although it is difficult losing someone, you should celebrate the wonderful years and memories you had and will always have. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless. Kimmie and Carl
So sorry for your loss, but I am sure he lived a long happy life.
We are so sorry for your loss of your father, Mike and Karen. We were so happy to read of your dad’s 100th birthday celebration this summer. He lived a long and active life, but we’re sure you will miss him terribly. You and your family are in our prayers.
– John and Yvonne McGee
Very saddened for the family in losing the patriarch of the family. Don was a man of many talents and interests: sports, politics, family, and recreation of several sorts. His motivation, strength, flexibility and intelligence were unquestioned: driving at an advanced age, living independently throughout his entire life, and most of all a deep love for all family members. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, Mr. Skamfer.
Sorry for your loss. Sorry I can’t be there for you but you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Margaret
Linda I am truly sorry to hear of your dad passing. We wish we could be there. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family’s. Much love . Cindy and Greg
What a life your Dad has shared with his loving family–We’re sure he’ll be playing with his many friends on Heaven’s great courses–We share in your grief and are thinking and praying for you during this most difficult of times–all our love, Nancy & Jere
What a blessing to have a parent who has lived 100 years. The real blessing is that he now has an eternity with the Lord in the mansions prepared by the Lord Jesus. John 14.
May God’s peace and comfort be with you as your remember the blessings He has for all of us. Fred and Janice
We were so sorry to hear about Mike’s Dad. What a guy!!. He made the most out of life.
My family was long-time back yard neighbors of Don and Gail. Matter of fact, I baby sat for Mike and Rick for a while. The last time I saw him was at my mother’s funeral in 2005. Such a nice man and long lived. What a blessing to reach 100. Condolences at this time but also joy for his trip home.
So sorry for you loss. What an amazing man Don was, and what a wonderful long and productive life he had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
My sincere condolences to all of you. It is so hard to lose the dear father than has been with you your entire long lives. There’s a time when we think they will live forever especially after 100 years. You dad and mom raised wonderful children and their lives were so complete. Blessings for the entire family as you mourn his loss. With love, Libby
Gail thinking of you and your family in the loss of your father.
Our deepest sympathy to the family and especially to Gail Skamfer.
-Brad and Holly House
Our family is sorry for your lost. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be with you to celebrate his life as I am in Florida. I loved chatting with him when I went to visit my mom on good old Highland Ave. as we were next door neighbors for over 60 years, until our mom moved into assistive living at the age at 85. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike and Sandy Boyle
Dear family of Don Skamfer,
We would like to extend our condolences for the lost of your dad. What a wonderful man he was and what a wonderful neighbor! We always enjoyed watching him swing his golf club in the back yard, turning the corner on his bike and tending to his yard and Paton. He kept an eye out for our mom and helped her out many times. What a wonderful life he lived and so remarkable that he was able to live alone and reach the milestone of 100. Such a blessing! It is still hard to say goodbye to someone so dear to your heart. He will always be in your hearts and we hope special memories and times with him help ease your grief. Savor those memories and we will pray for strength to sustain you during this difficult time. Sorry we were all of town when we heard about your dad. We would have been there had we been in town. In sympathy,
Nancy Almberg Roberts and family
Sandy Almberg Boyle and family
Pete Almberg and family