Leo Skille

Fitchburg - Leo M. Skille passed away Nov. 14 2012 at Four Wind Manor Nursing Home. Leo was born April 17, 1928 in Earl, WI. He graduated from Spooner High School and enlisted in the WI Air Nat'l Guard in 1950. In 1951 he met his wife Marian at a St. Pat's dance, and they were married on May 17, 1952. They had been married over 60 years.

He is survived by his wife, children, Laura (Ken) Sanden, Lee (Carrie), Mike (Lori) and grandchildren Maggie, Jack, Amy and Claire. Brothers Gene and John Allen and Bob and Angela Tramburg and their families. And Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Norman and Arlen.

Leo had an illustrious career both at UW Space Science and Engineering Dept. and the WI Air Nat'l Guard. When he retired he had 34 years of service in both professions.

Leo worked on the Tiros Weather Satellite and supervised personnel in fabrication of Space Flight Satellite systems associated with meteorological and planetary exploration including the Hubble Telescope.

In Aug. 1962 he was the first non-technician to be promoted to Chief in the Air Nat'l Guard. In Sept. 1972, Leo was appointed to the newly formed Advisory Panel for the ANG and Air Force Reserve Non-Commissioned Officers. CM Sgt. Skille headed the first of appointees selected with criterion similar to that used for the selection of the CMSGT of the Air Force.

Some of his recommendations included the Sr. Enlisted Advisor both at the Bureau level and the State. Maximum active duty tours for enlisted personnel changed from 89 days to 2 years; the same as for officers. Assignment of Base and Unit career Advisors, both for the ANG and AF Reserve. Equal per diem for enlisted and officers personnel.

He ended his career in 1984 as Sr. Enlisted Advisor, Personnel Supervisor at HDQ WIANG.

Among his many military awards he received Meritorious Service Medal, Air Reserve Forces and ANG Meritorious Service Award - WNGEA Freedom Award, WIANG- Hall of Fame- ANG NCOAG Hall of Fame.

Leo had a great passion for God, Family and Country. His hobbies were deer hunting, woodworking, camping, UFO's and involvement in youth hockey.

The family thanks the staff at Four Winds Manor, Hartland Hospice and to all who visited Leo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 405 S. Owen Dr., Madison, on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at 12 noon with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Monday, November 19 2012 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and at church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the mass.

In Lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to at Our Lady Queen Of Peace Catholic Church, American Cancer Society, Diabetes Foundation or the organization of your choice.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434
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