William Skarbek

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Skarbek, aged 77, beloved brother of Helen, Janet, Tina, Stanley & Mary.  Special thanks to Stan and wife Patty who cared for him in his last 15 months in their home.  Also, special thanks to the VA hospitals in Madison, Maywood & Manteno  for their outstanding care during that period.  

Bill was born in Germany on 9/1/1945 where his parents, Tadeuz & Anna were liberated from nazi work camps by the US Army & housed in their facility at Hohenfels Army base. The Red Cross provided shelter & care until August 1949 when an American aunt sponsored Bill, (baby sister) Helen  and parents to  immigrate to Chicago. 

Over the years, 4 more siblings were born; Janet, Christine, Stan and Mary.

Upon graduation from St. Joseph's High School, at 18, Bill legally changed his name from Boleslaw to Bill during his citizenship ceremony.  (He didn't know that he had been named for the first few Polish kings). 

Vietnam was in full swing & Bill felt it his duty to serve.  The Marine Corps had other plans for him and selected him to be an Honor Guard for 4 years.   He served proudly while escorting our fallen soldiers to family funerals for military burials.  He served as Honor Guard at Admiral Nimitz's funeral.

After he completed his service, he married and had a family. During those years, he enjoyed driving his cab in Chicago area & loved recounting stories of the interesting people he met.  And, when he wasn't driving cross country on his Harley he loved entertaining family & friends on his farm by playing his accordian.

It is with deep pride that we now give him the military funeral he deserves.

His 5 children (Billy, Michael, Christopher, Aimee & Brooke) and many grand children can remember him in his Dress Blues guarding the gates of Heaven.

Semper Fi, Bill.

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