Richard “Ski” Smykalski

Obituary

Richard “Ski” Paul Smykalski was born on January 10, 1937, in Silver Lake, Minnesota.   He was the son  of Pete and Celia (Podlaski) Smykalski.  Richard was baptized as an infant, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church in Silver Lake, Minnesota.  He received his education at country school in his home area.  

Richard entered active military service in the United States Army on June 1, 1960, and served his country during peacetime in Germany.  He received an Honorable Discharge on May 15, 1962.  

On June 28, 1958, Richard was united in marriage to Lucille Putney at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Karri  Richard and Lucille resided in Hutchinson.   They shared 58 years of marriage.  

Richard held employment as a truck driver for Rockite Silo, Hansen Gravel and Schmeling Oil in Hutchinson and was an independent Truck Driver and plowed snow.  

Richard attended St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson.  He was a member of the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad, the Hutchinson VFW Post # 906, and the Hutchinson American Legion Post #96. 

Richard loved animals, especially cats and dogs.  He enjoyed yard work and took great pride in maintaining his lawn  and working  on his Kabota Lawn Tractor.   He cherished the time he spent with his wife and daughter.  

Richard passed away on Monday, November 28, 2016, at his daughter’s home in rural Darwin, Minnesota at the age of 79 years.  He will be dearly missed.  

Richard is preceded in death by his Parents, Pete and Celia Smykalski; Brothers, Lenny Smykalski, Raymond Smykalski, and Leroy Smykalski in infancy; Sisters, Shirley Sterner and her husband, Alfred and Mercedes Smykalski in infancy;   Brothers-In-Law, Delbert Hennessey, Lenny Kosek; Sister-In-Law, Marlys Hlavacek.