Donald DeWayne Skillings
Donald Dewayne Skillings, 84 of Menomonie, WI passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at the Neighbors of Dunn County, where he was a resident for the past year; he was surrounded by his wife and children.
Don was born on July 27, 1930 on the family farm to George and Orpha (Sumpter) Skilling’s; He was raised on the family farm in Dunnville. Don married Dorothy Brehm on August 8, 1951 at St. Joseph’s church in Menomonie. Don and Dorothy farmed in Downsville until 1955, and then moved to Janesville where he worked at Fisher Body. Don and Dorothy returned to Menomonie where he worked as a carpenter, joining the Carpenters Union Local 1074. Don was proud to say they he was able to work on the new construction for St. Joseph Catholic Church in which he was an active member of. He retired in 1992. Don and Dorothy traveled the United States in their motor home until settling back in Menomonie in 2008.
Don was a member of the Carpenters Union local 1074 for 55 years, a member of the Moose Lodge and a member of the St. Joseph’s church. He enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling and playing cards. He also took pleasure in spending time with all of his family, friends, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always had a way of making people laugh.
Don is survived by his wife Dorothy of 63 years, three children Cynthia (Barry) Sorenson, Dorian (Mary Burns), Colleen (Jeff) Mensing all of Menomonie. Seven grandchildren, Cary (Ben) Fox, Craig (Karisa) Sorenson, Christa (Dan) Soules, Darcie (Jason) Kramber, Dustin (Nicole) Skillings, Derrick (Michaela Spencer) Mensing, Ashley (Eric Stuart) Mensing. 14 Great Grandchildren; Skyler, Landon, Davany and Hayden Fox, Caden and Cage Sorenson, Morgan and Cody Soules, Samantha, Addison and Izabella Kramber, Jessalyn, Delaney and Conner Mensing.
Two brothers Dale (Kathie) and Daniel (Marg) of Menomonie, Three sisters Irene Cotts, Lorriane Cotts, Wanda Mortel, all of Menomonie and brother-in-law Robert Jensen of Menomonie.
Don is preceded in death by his parents George and Orpha Skillings, 1 infant brother Delvin, sister Marlys Jensen, three brothers-in-law Darryl Cotts, Stan Cotts, and Brownie Mortel. Three Grandchildren, Sammie Jo, Bobbie Jo and Billie Jo Mensing.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday December 20, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with the Rev. John Mano officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.