Alvin ‘Al’ Skoda, 90

Dec. 24, 1930 —

Dec. 16, 2021

 

CRESCO - Alvin (Al) Eugene Skoda of Cresco, Iowa died peacefully in the early morning of Dec. 16, 2021, at the age of 90 years in his home, just a few days short of his 91st birthday. 

A celebration of life was held in his home on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, by all members of his immediate family. He was celebrated and sent off in the grand fashion he so deserved. Inurnment will be at a later date.

He was born on Christmas Eve 1930 in Lawler, Iowa, to Louis and Eleanor (Busta) Skoda, the third of four children. He was raised in Cresco his entire life, attending the Catholic schools and graduating in 1949 from Notre Dame High School. He was baptized, confirmed, married and attended Assumption Catholic Church. He was proud of his Czech heritage and Catholic faith.

In high school, he excelled in all sports; he was a gifted athlete. He especially excelled in baseball. His proudest moments were playing baseball around the local area as a young man. He was especially proud of the young Cresco team he was a member of and the time he, as a catcher giving the pitcher the signal calls, struck out a major league player. 

Al was a long-time member of the Cresco Country Club and was especially fond of his Thursday Men’s Night foursome. He was a big supporter of his grandsons’ sporting events — never missing an entire game for first-born Jeff except for once, when he was hospitalized. This was quite an accomplishment! He was fond of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers (attending games at Milwaukee County Stadium with friends and taking grandson Jeff to Lambeau Field for 11 years in a row, where great memories were made). He was also a bowler in his younger years, competing in national championships.

Al entered the United States Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War, enlisting before the draft. He proudly served his country and was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of Sergeant. He was very proud of being a veteran. He was proud to be a small-town Iowa boy and given the opportunity to visit several countrysides in Europe. He formed many friendships during this time. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW for over 65 years.

After returning from Germany, he met and fell in love with Shirley Bronner. They were married at Assumption Catholic Church on Aug. 6, 1956, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. 

To this union, three daughters were born, Diana (Jim) Morrow of Decorah, Iowa; Denise Skoda of Rochester, Minn. and Darcie Skoda (Scott Flattum) of Plainview, Minn. He was blessed with several grandchildren, Jeff (Molly) Morrow of Denver, Iowa; Jamie (Brent) Freilinger of Decorah, Iowa; A.J. Morrow of Decorah and Dylon Flattum of Plainview. He was also honored to be a great-grandpa to Bennett and Blaire Freilinger of Decorah. All were the joy and talk of his life. He was extremely proud, and they gave him such great joy and happiness.

He was a long-time businessman in Cresco. His greatest achievement was being owner of The Hub Mens’ Clothing Store for many years.

There was never anything he couldn’t fix or make better. He was a perfectionist and skilled handyman.

Al was a great storyteller and conversationalist. He never met a person he couldn’t strike up a conversation with, and he loved to talk and socialize. He was an honest, charming and dapper man! He was the ultimate gentleman and role model. His family and friends will miss him dearly, but he will never be forgotten. He lives in their hearts forever.

Al’s famous quote was “keep smilin’. ”

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.” 

 He is survived by his sister, Anna Mae Christianson, of Cresco.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arnold (Cresco) and Adrian (New Hampton).