Emily K. Skunes, age 81, of Helena, passed away April 12, 2012 in Arizona. Emily was born June 22, 1930 to Percy W. and Adele (Melgaard) Kemp in Crookston, MN. She grew up in Argyle, MN where she graduated from high school in 1948 and in 1952 graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Emily married Orrin Skunes on September 21, 1952. They made their home in Argyle for 11 years before moving to Helena, MT in 1963. Emily was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church and former member of Altrusa Club where she held several offices including president. She was employed at Hennessey’s from 1965 to 1979.
Emily loved to play bridge, read and travel and spend time with grand and great grandchildren. She and Orrin took special pleasure traveling together. Emily and her husband Orrin spent winters in Arizona traveling back to Helena during Christmas to spend the holidays with the family and then returning back to Arizona until around April.
Emily is survived by her husband Orrin; a daughter, Cindy (Jerry) Steinmetz; and two grandchildren: Amber (Ty) Lamping and their children: daughters, Ashlyn & Madilyn and son, Connor; Josh (Amy) Steinmetz and their son, Dylan. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Paul.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church with a reception to follow the service at the church. Burial will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison at 2:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army, 1905 Henderson, Helena, MT 59601; The Florence Crittenton Center, 901 N Harris, Helena, MT 59601; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Emily, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Laurie & Carl Quist says
Cindy ~ We are so sorry for your loss…wish I lived closer so I could be there for you as you were for me… I have many fond memories of your Mom….please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you and your Dad as well. Love you, Laurie & Carl Quist
Jo Wallis says
Orrin, Cindy, Jerry, Josh, Amy, Dylan, Amber, Ty, Maddie, Ashlyn & Conner, my heart goes out to all of you. Emy was a great person whom I liked a lot.
I know you all will miss her a great deal but always remember the good times you had together. It helps ease the pain of loss.
I love all you guys very much.
Jo
Helen Richter says
To the Skunes family:
I was sorry to learn the Emily passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
God Bless you all
Helen Richter
Helena, Montanan