Larry Skipper
courtesy photo
Larry Skipper
POLSON — Larry Dean Skipper passed away on Jan. 23, 2022, in his home surrounded by family. Larry was born on May 29, 1947, in Blue Mound, Illinois, to Harry Cecil Skipper and Dorothy (Armstrong) Skipper.
He spent his childhood exploring and sharpening his mechanical skills that he would use later in life. He graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1965. He then went on to attend Western Illinois University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He used that degree to teach Industrial Arts at Palatine High School. He left teaching for a mechanical engineering career working at General Kinematics Corporation for 32 years. It was there that he met his wife Terry. They married in 1977 and had two daughters.
He was very active in the Marengo, Illinois, community where he made many lifelong friends. It was there that he served as Alderman for two terms.
He enjoyed woodworking and restoration. He spent many years restoring the family home with his wife. As a collector of antiques, he was always working on restoring them.
While on a family vacation in Montana, he and his wife found the place where they would eventually retire. They made Polson their home for 17 years and made many friends along the way.
In retirement he loved to garden and planted enough to feed the entire community.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, he would go above and beyond for those he cared about. Larry was always very friendly and never knew a stranger.
He is survived by his wife, Terry (Mergenthaler); his sister, Linda (John) Hill; his daughters, JoAnn (Craig) Bourassa and Cheryl Skipper; and granddaughter, Zoey Bourassa and many nieces and nephews.
There are no services planned at this time for Larry. All memorials can be made to The American Cancer Society. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
