Robert (Bob) Skaggs, a native of Cherokee County, died on June 24, 2024 in San Juan Capistrano, California; he was 87 years old. Bob died after a long battle with cancer. His beloved wife, Mardell Burch Skaggs preceded him in death on September 19, 2023.
Funeral Services will be held on July 8, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee, located at 127 E. Willow St. There will be a visitation with family present on July 7, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the Presbyterian Church. Pastor Mike Agnew will officiate. Burial will take place following the funeral service at Pleasant View Cemetery in Meriden, Iowa. Military rites will be performed by L.A. Wescott Post #2253 and the Cherokee American Legion. The Boothby Funeral Home of Cherokee, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bob was born on August 3, 1936, in rural Cleghorn, Iowa to Harold and Opal (Gibson) Skaggs and lived for many years on their farm outside of Cherokee. Bob graduated from Meriden High School in 1955 and attended Morningside College in Sioux City, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1959. He also served for many years in the United States Air Force Air National Guard.
In 1959 he married his high school sweetheart, Mardell Burch, whose family farmed near Meriden, Iowa. Bob had a successful career with the JCPenney Company and with each job promotion, he and Mardell moved from Iowa to Yankton, South Dakota; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Florissant, Missouri; Champagne, Illinois; Freehold, New Jersey; Orange and, ultimately, San Juan Capistrano, California.
Bob retired early from the JCPenney Company in 1991 and cared for his wife, Mardell, after she suffered a stroke at age 53. He took care of her for over 30 years; Bob was an incredibly devoted husband.
Bob loved playing cards, boating, water skiing, traveling to Lake Havasu, collecting and refinishing antique furniture, watching the Angels and the Lakers, collecting vintage model cars and tractors and visiting family in Iowa. Bob instilled an amazing Midwestern work ethic in his children and grandchildren. He spent many years helping out with his granddaughters, taking them to school and sporting events and teaching them how to water ski and drive a golf cart. He enjoyed going to their many events and even learned to enjoy soccer! Bob took great pleasure in his children and grandchildren and their endeavors and successes.
He is survived by his children Michelle Skaggs Lawrence (Pete) of San Juan Capistrano, California; Jeff Skaggs (Tricia) of Lake Forest, California; and Steve Skaggs of Orange, California. Bob has four granddaughters: Emily, Allison, Hannah and Amanda, all of whom grew up close by and were blessed by the presence of their Papa.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Mardell Burch Skaggs; parents Harold and Opal (Gibson) Skaggs; sister Joyce Skaggs Lambert and her husband Bill; and sister-in-law Verlee Burch Gronemeyer and her husband Russ.
