Eugene Skraba

Eugene Donald Skraba

Eugene Donald Skraba, 73, of Nashwauk, died suddenly on Thursday, April 20, 2017.  Gene, as he was known to family and friends, was born September 22, 1943 in Cook. Raised in Greaney, he was a 1961 graduate of Orr High School where he excelled in multiple sports.

A long time resident of the Iron Range, first in Eveleth and most recently in Nashwauk, Gene was employed as a millwright at Eveleth Taconite and then as a Staff Representative with the United Steelworkers of America. It was in this latter role that he excelled as an advocate for workers' rights until his retirement in 2006.

Gene was a dedicated volunteer with organizations both in Nashwauk and Rockport, Texas, where he and his wife enjoyed their recent winters with their beloved retirement community. He was an active member of the Nashwauk-Keewatin Boosters and a member of the St. Cecelia Knights of Columbus, often taking leadership roles when there was work to be done. Gene was proud of his family and enjoyed sharing his avid gardening and cooking skills with others.

Survived by his wife Karen, son David (Dawn), daughters Michelle (Tim Briski) and Jennifer Rich, brother Peter (Martha), sister Ione (Ernie) Falk, grandchildren Aaron and Allison Briski, Larissa and Elizabeth Rich, Frank and Mark Cerar, a great grandson, Brantlee Larson, stepsons Jason (Missy) Svaleson and Chad (Lacy) Svaleson, and step grandchildren, Courtney, Jazlynn, and Hunter Svaleson, Riley, Adam, Brynn, Isaac, and Layla Svaleson.

Gene was preceded in death by parents, Peter and Irene (née Meizo) Skraba, a sister Sandra, and daughter Rebecca.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am Friday, April 28, 2017 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk. The Rev. Fr. Seth Gogolin will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church on Friday.  Interment will be in Nashwauk Cemetery in Nashwauk, MN.  Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.

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