Fred Skahan, age 74, of Spooner, WI, passed away on September 14, 2025. Fred was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and also a decorated Vietnam Veteran. Fred was born in Norwich, New York on November 12, 1950, to Frank and Marie (Mickey) Skahan and was older brother to Elaine and Kevin. Fred lived a life full of love, laughter, and the great outdoors.

Fred had many entertaining stories about his childhood in New York and later in Illinois, where he often got into a little bit of "good trouble" with his siblings. He carried that playful spirit with him when he joined the U.S. Navy, where he worked as a mechanic on the USS America servicing F4 Phantoms with the VFA-143 “Pukin’ Dogs.” After his military service, Fred returned to Illinois and built a beautiful life with his wife, Myra, raising a loving family and working in the circuit board manufacturing industry.

His quiet strength and fun-loving nature created a home where laughter was always present. He was known for his fantastic "dad jokes" and stories of his younger days, making it impossible for family and friends not to laugh along with him. Fred also had great appreciation for the outdoors, finding peace in the woods. He loved hunting and fishing, whether it was deer hunting in Wisconsin, elk hunting in Wyoming, or waterfowl hunting in Illinois with his buddies. Fred and his wife were avid fisherman, and while his kids might not have shared his passion for fishing, at least he tried! Fred coached little league, played softball, and never missed one of his kids' games. He brought energy and heart to every game he played and was a patient teacher and coach.

A true craftsman, Fred loved working with his hands. There was no project his hands and mind couldn't handle, from building garden beds to finishing the inside of his Northwoods home. His creations revealed a deep commitment to detail, a quiet promise that everything he built would be both beautiful and enduring.

Later in life, Fred and Myra fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Spooner Wisconsin. There, they built their dream home, nestled in the Northwoods he loved. He spent his retirement as a volunteer fireman, watching deer from his deck, enjoying the seasonal comings and goings of songbirds from the yard (always keeping the bird feeders full), and listening to the loons call from the lake. Not only did he and Myra enjoy coffee, an ice cold one, or a glass of wine on the deck, they enjoyed sharing any of the aforementioned beverages with visiting family and friends. The annual Fourth of July gatherings became a treasured tradition, where his grandchildren learned to fish, go tubing on the rivers and lakes, catch frogs, and handle sparklers safely - still working on that one a bit!

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Myra, and his loving children, Kim (Joe), Pat (Kelley), and Kaylee. His legacy of strength, love, and humor continues through his adored grandchildren, Abby, Kinley, Rory, and Tatum.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Spooner Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Fred by spending a quiet moment in nature, casting a line, or simply sharing a laugh with someone you love.

He will be missed dearly and remembered always for his kind heart, full-hearted laugh, and unwavering love for his friends and family.

Last Update: Sep 19, 2025 8:03 am CDT