Racine- 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 life time, 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; 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 PM 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 AM 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 AM. 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.
pedro harvey says
To the sklba family:
lasasha and I are sorry to hear about your loss. We just wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love,
Pedro and lasasha Harvey
Pam Lopez says
Bill and Family,
Although I only had the pleasure of visiting Clarice a few times on my Wisconsin trips with Mark, Clarice made me feel as if we had know each other a long time. Sharing with me history of the family and her life as well. It was obvious what a warm, loving person she was. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Pam Lopez
Mark Mano says
I am saddened by the passing of this beautiful woman. Bill and Clarice were my cousins. I enjoyed visiting them in their new home in my return journeys to Wisconsin.
No matter how sick she was, Clarice made us all feel good to be around her.
I will continue to put the intentions of all of her family and friends in my prayer jar.
A finer couple is not to be found.
Love and a Bear Hug!!!
Mark Mano
Marge Clark says
Her smile,spirit and presence in the workplace were so special. She will remembered as a strong person who loved living and loved her family very much.
Donna Cook says
Bill and family,
So sad to hear about your loss. With sympathy,
Donna Cook
Barbara Mack says
Dear Bill and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Clarice’s passing and extend my deapest sympathy to all of you.
Meeting Clarice during the time of my externship for the GTC Medical Assistants program in 1976 was the start of not only a professional friendship, but a warm personal one as well. Clarice was my mentor and my “roomie” at many AAMA confernces. We shared many laughs and rubber chicken meals together.
Even though I have been away from Racine for many years, I have such fond memories of the times we spent together.
My hope for you is that the memories of this wonderful woman will shine through the clouds of grief and continue to bring joy to your lives always.
God Bless,
Barbara Mack (CMA)
Dianne Niesen says
Bill and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Clarice was a very special person and her light will continue to shine brightly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deep sympathy,
Dianne