Steven Skalla

Steven J. Skalla, 69, Husband, father, grandfather, avid fisherman and story teller, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 17, 2022 in Spectrum Lakeland Hospital St. Joseph.

Steven was born on April 23, 1953 in Niles to the late John and Barbara Skalla. He is also preceded in death by his brother, David Skalla and sister, Michelle Hively.

Steven was a graduate of Niles High School.  He worked for 32 years for Teamsters Local 419.

On November 29, 1991 he married the former Denise Schadler with who he celebrated 30 years of marriage.

To say that Steven was an avid fisherman would be an understatement.  He was the type of person who spent almost all of his free time fishing.  Often he would be fishing with either a friend or family member. It’s not surprising that Steven was also an amazing story teller.  He might tell a story or two about fishing but to him it was more important to tell stories about his family and their history.  He wanted to make sure that those important stories were passed along from one generation to the next.

Steven loved his family.  He loved telling them stories about his childhood.  He also cared deeply for his many friends. He will be forever remembered for his devotion to Denise, their children and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Denise and children, Jennifer Skalla and Julia Skalla both of Florida and Jeff Smith and Jill Smith both of Niles, grandchildren; Bret Smith and Korie Smith.  Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Kathy Sweeney of Galien, Dawn (John) Hunerjager of Lawrence, MI and Dan (Hue) Skalla of Stow, OH and John (Lorraine) Skalla of Dowagiac and his life long very special friend, Duane Kroboth of Las Vegas, NV.as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Visitation for Steven will be on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.  On Wednesday, visitation will again be held from 11:00am to 12 noon at the funeral home. A Funeral Service will begin at Noon.  Following the funeral service, a reception will be held at First Church of Christ 2240 Yankee St. in Niles.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com

Memorials in Steven’s name may be made to Gift of Life Michigan at https://giftoflifemichigan.org/foundation/make-a-contribution