- Date Of Birth: Mar 21, 1940
- Date Of Death: Sep 12, 2022
- State: Minnesota
Richard A. Skalicky died peacefully and surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, September 12, 2022 at the age of 82 following a long, valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Dick was born on March 21, 1940 to Adolph and Hazel (Tate) Skalicky at his grandparents, William and Louise (Martin) Tate’s home in rural Rush City. He attended Pine City schools where he served as class President, led the Dragon football and track teams, graduated in 1958, and is remembered fondly by many life-long friends. Throughout his early life, Dick worked side-by-side with his father on the family dairy farm, had his own milk route, then joined the Army in 1959.
In 1960, he married the love of his life, Joann Chalupnik and they resided in Detroit, MI where Lisa and Jeff were born. Upon discharge in 1962, they briefly returned to Pine City and soon moved to the twin cities so Dick could pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. Following graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1971, he assumed the position of Assistant City Engineer for the City of North St. Paul. In 1975, Dick accepted the position of Steele County Engineer and the family moved to Owatonna. Tiring of winter and too young to retire, Dick and Joann set their sights on the Southwest and landed in Kingman, AZ in 1989 where Dick became the Mohave County Engineer and served interim positions as County Manager as needed.
Upon retirement, Dick and Joann traveled often throughout the U.S. and Europe, usually taking their children and grandchildren on their adventures. They adored their 5 grandchildren and took every opportunity to spend time with them and made sure to be present for every milestone. They both lived life to its fullest and spread love and happiness to all they met.
Dick is survived by his children Lisa Lilja (Ron Ramberg) of Hinckley, Jeff Skalicky (Laurie Seay) of Ankeny, Iowa, Barb (Dave) Schmitz of Kingman, Arizona; 5 grandchildren: Peter Lilja, Samuel Lilja, Catherine (Skalicky) Stayrook, Jonathan Schmitz, Robert Schmitz; sister Arlyce (Bob) Perreault of Grand Rapids; many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Hazel Skalicky; wife Joann Skalicky; sister Tammy Skalicky.
