Clarice A. Sklba

Clarice Ann (nee: Jacoby) Sklba, 72, passed away in Kenosha at the Hospice Alliance – Hospice House on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, following a long illness. Clarice was born in Milwaukee on March 30, 1936, to the late Edward and Theresa (nee: Paradeis) Jacoby. She graduated from Messmer High School in 1953. Later in life, Clarice proudly graduated with honors from the Medical Assistant Program at Gateway Technical College.

On April 7, 1978, at St. Barnabas Chapel of St. Luke’s Hospital-Racine, she was united in marriage with William M. Sklba.

During her lifetime, she was employed by Sears, Eitel’s, Lakeside Family Therapy Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital and lastly Gateway Technical College, from where she retired.

Clarice was a long time member of St. Edward Catholic Church. She was a member of the local Medical Assistants Assn, and also a member and former President of the Lighthouse Quilters Guild.

Among her interests, Clarice enjoyed quilting, perennial flowers, golfing, reading and playing games and cards with family and friends -- especially Sheepshead and Sequence. Over the years, Clarice volunteered for Children’s Service Society, the Siena Center Retreat program and All Saints Hospital Auxiliary where her smile and positive attitude offered a comfortable and caring atmosphere. Above all, she loved being in the surroundings of her entire extended family, and comforted with the watchful medical care of son, Gary.

Surviving are her husband, friend and partner of over 30 years, Bill; children: Kathleen (Paul) Pflieger, Gary Leyer, Teresa (Melvin) Both, Gregory (Karen) Leyer, Christopher (Stephanie) Sklba, Dayvyd (Cindy) Sklba and Janel Frazier; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Gerald (Ann) Jacoby; sister, Barbara Bleul; sister-in-law, Arlyne Jacoby; and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear long term friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents, Clarice was preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Jacoby; and brother, Norbert Jacoby.

In accordance with Clarice’s wishes, cremation will take place. In celebration of Clarice’s life, a memorial visitation will occur on Sunday, August 10, 2008, from 4-7 p.m. at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 11, 2008, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., at 10 a.m. with Bishop Richard J. Sklba and Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. A reception and luncheon will immediately follow in the church hall. Visitation will also take place at the church on Monday from 9–10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Racine Library Foundation or to Racine Dominicans Eco-Justice Center have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Hospice Alliance staff, especially Nurses Terry, Chris, Darlene, a compassionate care giver Simone, the staff at WFHC 2D, Doctors Mike Mullane and Tom Goodrich and Clarice’s very special friends Marlene, Barb and Mitzi.

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000