Loretta Bernice Skrobiak

Loretta was born in the year 1927 at her homestead in Ford River, where her parents Peter and Bernice farmed. She was the last born, a preemie not expected to live long, and the last of 8 children.

Loretta walked to the schoolhouse in Ford River and was a graduate of Escanaba High School. For a time, she lived in Chicago, working at the Great Mutual Insurance Company as a secretary.

She was united in marriage to Emil P. Skrobiak on July 7th, 1951, at Saint Georges Catholic Church. Together they worked the Skrobiak farm in South Bark River and raised 4 children; Paul (Joan) Skrobiak, Mark (Laurie) Skrobiak, Emily (Mark) Kleiman, and Laura (Kevin) Shank. Grandchildren include Stephanie (Jeff) Walcheka, Melanie (Alan) Randall, Ariana (Craig) Schumacher, Aidan Shank, and numerous great grandchildren. Loretta also has numerous surviving loving nieces and nephews, in the area and across the United States.

Her loving husband Emil proceeded her in 1988.

Loretta loved children and was a Foster Grandparent for 21 years, as well as assisting with catechesis at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton church for many years.

Loretta’s Catholic Faith was integral throughout her life, and she enjoyed visiting many basilicas, cathedrals, Our Lady of Good Help, and a special pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia.

She had a great love of the simple things from scenic drives, to picnics at any beach or scenic site. She never turned down an adventure and loved visiting museums, parks, and zoos. She also loved to travel, and along with Emil, would take the family on many excursions throughout the US. She lived life to the fullest and beyond.

She enjoyed and spent many wonderful extended stays with her loving nieces and their families (by her brother August) Nancy (Lance) Hendershot, Linda (Jim) Tucker, Mary (Jim) Stillwagon) in Florida, and Barbara (Jim) Atencio in New Mexico.

Loretta had a great appreciation of God’s creation and of all things great and small. She loved animals and kept many kinds of pets over her 99 years that experienced her great care and love. She used to say “Great things come in small packages” as she recognized her own petite stature and appreciated the great gift of any, and all life.

She always cherished and appreciated the beauty of nature in all aspects and seasons and was sure to mention it so that others would as well. She enjoyed a lifelong hobby of gardening and kept many beautiful perennial gardens. She loved sharing her blooms with others, as well as for weddings, and within Saint Georges Catholic Church for many summers.

In July of 2025 she joined the loving Bishop Noa Home and thrived there with the wonderful loving sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres, the attentive, caring staff, and the residents whom she

enjoyed befriending. Loretta and family were so blessed and are appreciative with their comfort, care, and love.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 24th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1216 12th Road, Bark River. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Vinoy Thomas Panthialapadam officiating. At the conclusion of the mass, a meal will be provided in the church hall.

Burial will take place in Bark River Twp. Cemetery.

A message of condolence may be directed to the Skrobiak family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The family has entrusted the arrangements with the Crawford Funeral Homes.