Michael John Skalsky

Mick Skalsky of Rush City, Minnesota passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 29, 2021at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 75.

Michael John Skalsky was born on October 7, 1946 to Walter and Margaret Skalsky in Hibbing, Minnesota.  Nicknamed “Mick” he was the second of five children; he had three brothers Andy, Chuck, Jerry and a sister Patty. 

Later the family moved to Silver Bay, Minnesota and met the neighbor across the street Gwendolyn “Gwen” Bonneville.  Mick and Gwen grew up together and officially started dating at the end of May of 1964.  Mick and Gwen were married January 28, 1967 in Silver Bay and together they had four children.

Besides being a loving husband and father, Mick was very active and dedicated to the community of Rush City.  He taught 5th and 6th grade at C.E. Jacobson Elementary for 38 years.  Mick was a volunteer firefighter with the Rush City Fire Department for 20 years.  He also worked with the Police Department and Ambulance Crew for a time.  Mick served as a city council member and also as mayor from 1993-2006 in Rush City.   

Mick had a passion for the outdoors;  he was an avid hunter of turkey, ducks, pheasant and deer.  To say Mick loved to fish would be an understatement.  His love for fishing was like no other.  His quote “the tug is the drug” lives on in all of his children and grandchildren.  He loved to fish both in winter and summer.  He loved to ice fish up by Crane Lake in International Falls,  Mick especially loved to get out on the lake with his brothers, children and grandchildren to catch some walleye.  He couldn’t get enough of fishing; his last fishing trip was on Lake Superior where he caught 5 Coho salmon.  Fishing was definitely his happy place.

Mick and Gwen retired in 2009 and especially enjoyed spending time with  children and grandchildren.  Together they made many trips to the hunting shack to make repairs and deer hunting.  They made numerous fishing and camping trips both in Minnesota and Canada.  Mick and Gwen, along with their children and grandchildren took multiple trips to Fisher’s Resort on Lake Mille Lacs.  Mick and Gwen chartered a house boat for a week on the Rainy River camping and fishing at various locations and took a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Mick enjoying attending his grandchildren’s sporting and musical events.

Mick is survived by his loving wife Gwen; children Michael “Mike” (Connie) Skalsky, Kevin (Marlene) Skalsky, Teri (Eric) Pierce, Mary (Steve) Ratz;  nine grandchildren Gillian, David, Madison, Lauren, Colin, Jamie, Gavin, Joshua, and Quinn; siblings Patty (Donnie) Tucker, Andy (Connie) Skalsky, Chuck (Claudia) Skalsky, Jerry (Becky) Skalsky; many other relatives and friends.

Mick was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Margaret Skalsky.

Deacon Gene Biever will officiate at a celebration of Michael’s life:  7:00 PM, Friday, October 8, 2021 at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City.  A time of visitation for friends and family will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM at the chapel.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com