Obituary of Gail Frieda Marie Skrobak

Gail Frieda Marie Skrobak, was born March 9, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of six children born to Adam and Delores Jefferson Skrobak. She passed away peacefully on April 16, 2016 at her home after gradually declining health in recent years. She was 68 years old. Gail's early life began in Princeton, Illinois, until 1956 when the family moved to Jefferson where she briefly attended St. Coletta School. Subsequently, Gail resided in various State facilities and ultimately spent many years in Fort Atkinson at Apple House, her final residence. As a resident of Fort Atkinson, Gail was long employed at Opportunities Inc. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, staff/peers at Apple House, and was blessed with the love and tireless devotion of her mother, Delores. Gail delighted in celebrations, especially her birthday. (While celebrating her current birthday, she would be talking about the next one!) She loved the color purple, butterflies, the family dog, and many other things. Her personal appearance was especially important to her. Gail regularly took part in fun activities with her Apple House family, and her annual summer stay at Wisconsin Badger Camp was a particular highlight. She participated in the Wisconsin Special Olympics program, competing in basketball and bowling. One of Gail's favorite pastimes was working on latch hook crafts, producing a multitude of beautiful textiles over the years. Gail is survived by her mother, Delores Skrobak, Jefferson; sisters Jan Vanderheiden, Lake Mills; Shelley (Mariano Guetio) Cina, Jefferson; Julie (Mike) Brock, Hebron; and Patricia (Robert) Boos, Oconomowoc; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Adam Skrobak; brother Paul Skrobak; and brother-in-law Gary Vanderheiden. Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. A later burial will take place at Hildegard Cemetery, Conover, Wisconsin near her father and brother. The family wishes to thank: Homes for Independent Living; Care Wisconsin; Opportunities Inc.; and Rainbow Hospice. Special gratitude goes out to everyone involved in Gail's care past and present, including: Nancy Schultz, Sara Foerster, Tess Rank, Amy Robertson, Sheri Heyer, Melissa Jaeggi, Dr. Steven George, Dr. Scott Brantmeier, Dr. Melvin Haggart, Michelle Loicano and all the staff at Apple House - Jess, Trish, Alley, April, Shelby, Sharon, Kirsten, Kayla, Michelle, Jackie, Jarod, Harry, and Brittany. We greatly appreciate the caring treatment and advocacy Gail has received from so many for so long. Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in her memory.