Obituary: Ronald F. Skoda

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Ronald F. Skoda

Ronald F. Skoda, age 80, of Channahon, and formerly of Tinley Park, passed away peacefully, Saturday, November 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born January 24, 1946, in Chicago, the son of George Paul and Johanna Dolores (Mrkva) Skoda.He grew up in the St. Turibius Parish neighborhood on the southwest side, and was a graduate of St. Rita High School where he was member of the baseball team.

He enjoyed a 26 year career with Johnson and Johnson, where he worked as a fork lift driver until the warehouse closed.He then served as a custodian for Bannes Elementary School in Tinley Park, for 12 years, where he was affectionately known as Mr. Ron.

Ron married the love of his life, Kathleen Sue "Kathy" (nee Stance) Skoda on February 4, 1967, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage until her passing January 22, 2025.

A talented athlete in his youth, Ron enjoyed playing softball and football at the neighborhood parks. In 1975, Ron and Kathy moved to Tinley Park to raise their young family, and in 2020, settled into their new home in Channahon.They shared a passion for travel, including trips to Alaska and Hawaii, cruises, visits to Wisconsin, and many road and day trips.An animal lover, he was especially fond of golden retrievers, hummingbirds, and birds in general.Church and gardening were also among his favorite activities.Ron was proud to have built three homes from the ground up during his lifetime.

Surviving are his loving children, Rhonda (Bob) Wagoner of Joliet, Dan (Renee) Skoda of Frankfort, Dennis (Karen) Skoda of Oak Lawn, and Debbie (Bill) Schejbal of Chicago; his beloved grandchildren, Becky (Mark), Katie, Sophie, Molly, Stephen (Ambria), Elisabeth (Anthony), and David; four dear great-grandchildren, Noel, Addie, Evie, and Abel; his wife's brother and sister, John (Pat) Stance and JoAnn Diorio; several nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friends, John Tenuta and Jim Bancroft.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and one brother, George.

Visitation for Ron will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 24500 S. Navajo Drive, Channahon, from 9:30 a.m., until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) in honor of his late wife would be appreciated.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.

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