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Published October 26, 2012, 12:00 AM

MARTIN JAMES SKALA

Martin James Skala, 73, of Hoyt Lakes, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. la, 73, of Hoyt Lakes, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012 surrounded by his family after an eight month battle with cancer.

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Martin James Skala, 73, of Hoyt Lakes, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012 surrounded by his family after an eight month battle with cancer.

Martin was born in Ely, Minnesotaon October 15, 1939 to John and Angela (Kovall) Skala. He graduated from Ely High School in 1957. He attended Junior College in Ely and UMD majoring in education. In 1969 he recieved his masters degree. On August 27, 1960 he married Rosemary Koivisto at St. Anthony's Church in Ely. He began teaching in the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes school district in 1961, teaching Fourth Grade at Keefe School. In 1976, he moved to administration, first as assistant principal in the high school, then as junior high principal. He finished his 35 year education career as High School Principal, retiring in 1995. In retirement he enjoyed fishing, hunting and travel. He was a member of Queen of Peace Church, serving as trustee for the past 18 years, and volunteered at the Hoyt Lakes Community Credit Union on the supervisory committee. Underneath Martin's gruff exterior beat a heart of gold, he will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Jack; granddaughters, Stacy and Stephanie Benson.

Martin is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rosemary; son Dr. Mark (Colleen) Skala of Hammond, Wis; daughter Mary (Donn) Benson; grandchildren, Laura (Evan) Swartz of Silver Bay, Jesse Benson of Duluth, Amy (Stuart) Beauregard of Hibbing, Josh Benson of Duluth, Jordan Benson of Duluth, Andrew Skala of Hammond; four great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Grace, Elizabeth, and Samuel Swartz; sister Marion Kangas of Ely.

VISITATION: 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, Monday Oct. 29, 2012 in Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Hoyt Lakes. Fr. Steven Daigle officiating. Services by Ziemer Moeglein Shatava Funeral Home of Aurora.

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Linda F.
Venice, FL     10/28/2012 4:52 PM

Dear Mary, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I remember you sharing wonderful stories about your life growing up in Aurora-Hoyt Lakes and how much he and your Mother meant to you. We will keep you and your entire family in our prayers and thoughts. Our Love, Doug and Linda Freeman

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Patricia P.
Colorado Springs, CO     10/26/2012 11:44 PM

Mr Skala was tough on the exterior but a sweetheart in the inside. He was the most influential school Principle I encountered through the years. I still share stories about my troubled teen years and having my own desk outside of his office when I got sent to the office! He understood that things were not always as they appeared. He encouraged me through some troubled times and always had faith in me. He is one of the people in my life that impacted me in such a profound positive way that he has always stayed in my memories even up to today. My deepest condolences to all his family - as a former student - he truly was a great man and leader. My heart is with you all. For God has taken one of his children away from worldly suffering and pain.

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