William Skinner

William "Bill" Skinner, 87 of Austin, died peacefully Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at Sacred Heart Care Center surrounded by his family. Bill was born on April 16, 1923 to Wilbur and Kathryn Farrell Skinner in Austin. Bill graduated from St Augustine's High School. While in high school, Bill started working at Hormel and retired from there after 45 years. Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. After his discharge, Bill returned to Austin and resumed working at Hormel. On June 28, 1947, Bill married Shirley Harlan. Together, they raised six children, Beth Bodensteiner, (David Nelson) Austin, Mark Skinner, Shakopee MN, Matt Skinner (Susan) Rochester MN, Mary Ellen Grega (John) Black Hawk SD, Sarah Carlson (Scott) Maple Grove MN, and Nora Jude (Tom) Grove City OH. Bill never met a golf course he didn't like, or a lake that had no fish in it. He was strong in faith and character, and lived for his family and friends. He is greatly missed. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Farrell, sister Margaret Johnson, and Mother-in-law Mary Ellen Harlan Luksik. In addition to his wife and children, Bill is survived by one sister, Mary Schmidt (Benny) Owatonna MN, Grandchildren Kari, Addie, Kate, Dan, Josh, Kelli, Kyle, Emily, Casie and Myles, great-grand children Maya, Jacob, Trevor, Sophie and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 6:30 pm wake service on Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 pm and also one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91. Memorials may be made in Bill's name to either the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org/ or The American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org/. Appreciation is extended to the staff at Sacred Heart Care Center, for their caring and compassionate help while Bill was a resident there.

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