Richard Alan Skillrud

Skillrud, Richard (Dick)

 

Verona/Madison:   Dick  Skillrud passed away in his sleep Thursday, July 17 2008, at his home in Verona.   Dick was born July 11, 1951 in Portland, Oregon, the son of Howard and Dorothy (Heibel) Skillrud. He moved to Madison in 1964 and graduated from Madison West in 1969. In 1971 Dick entered the U.S. Navy. Upon his return, he attended MATC and graduated with a degree in Business Administration.  He  then continued on  to operate  the family business, Shakeys Pizza Parlors, with his brother John.  In 1977 Dick took on a corporate position with Shakeys based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On August 26, 1978 he was united in marriage to Janelle Sherva.  In 1981, Dick and Janelle relocated to Madison to operate the family business.  Dick was active in the Restaurant Association, serving as treasurer for a period of time. One of Dicks greatest passions was his love of automobiles and auto racing. He took an active role in the Eliminators Car Club of Madison. For years Dick sponsored midget racing at Angel Park as well as stock cars at Oregon Speedway.   He restored countless collector cars throughout his life and won numerous awards for all his vehicles. Dick was an avid reader of mysteries, historical-fiction and a scholar of American history and WWII. Dick shared his love of history with the people of Four Winds Manor Nursing Home ( Verona) by volunteering his time and reading to the residents. However, Dicks truest loves were his wife of 28 years and three daughters Jennie, Katie and Ellie. He was a devoted husband, father and best friend,  who would do anything for ""his girls.""  Dick is survived by, Janelle, daughters Jennie, Katie and Ellie of Verona,  sisters Judith (Herb) Gascon, of Sandy Oregon, Cathy  (Allan) Stephenson, Portland Oregon, brother, John  (Dena) Skillrud, Middelton, and cousins, brothers and sisters in law, and  nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death  by his parents; Howard and Dorothy (Heibel) Skillrud.    Funeral services will be held  at 11:00 am on Monday, July 21, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service.   Burial will follow at ResurrectionCemetery.  

 

Daddy,

       We miss you already, but we know you will always be with us.

 

                                                           Love always and forever,

                                                                                         Your Girls