George Skaer

A memorial service for George G. Skaer, 69, of Great Falls, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Central Christian Church with Rev. Ronald C. Greene presiding.Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.George Gilbert Skaer Jr. passed away April 23, 2012 in the great outdoors.He chose to be with the Lord that day.George was born June 17, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri to Gil and Arlene (Hanson) Skaer.He was raised in Gardner, Kansas.George graduated from Gardner High School in 1960 and attended Emporia State College in Kansas for business administration.He later graduated from Barber School in 1963 before moving to Great Falls in 1964. George opened Westgate Barber Shop with his dad in 1965.In 1971 George left barbering to run a drill rig for Northern Testing Laboratories.He then returned to barbering in 1982, officially hanging up his shears in 2011. George was a beloved barber within in the community, spanning generations with his skills and being named several times Best of Great Falls, often simply known as George the Barber. George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1969.George was an avid fisherman, catching the love of his life in 1974, Stephanie Kalafat.Together they embarked on 38 years of marriage, raising 3 wonderful children, and enjoying 7 grandchildren.Time spent at Holter Lake and Tiber Dam fishing, skiing, and camping with family and friends produced his greatest memories.His greatest and proudest accomplishments were his three children Brad, Steve, and Jill.If not fishing, he was most often found cheering his children on in hockey, football, track and basketball.George was also known to be an avid Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas Jayhawks fan, often sporting a hat from one of the teams.The Chiefs flag could always be found flying on game day.His love of the C.M.R Rustlers and the MSU Bobcats was also undeniable.Spring, summer or fall, George could be found gardening when he wasnt up at the lake, and was known for growing the best pumpkins and tomatoes.George volunteered his time to patients at Benefis Rehab and the nursing homes cutting hair.With his love of fishing, being involved with Walleyes Unlimited was an obvious choice. Most importantly, George loved the Lord and served faithfully at Central Christian Church.George is survived by his wife, Stephanie Skaer; sons George Bradley (Christel) Skaer of Rochester, MN and Steven (Sydne) Skaer of Great Falls; daughter Jillian (Treve) Brinkman of Great Falls; brother Ron (Jackie) Skaer of Anthem, AZ; sisters Karen (Bob) Cordell of Mesa, AZ and Melinda Mimi (Ron) Winchell ofGreat Falls; three grandsons, Benjamin Skaer, Kale Brinkman, and Carter Skaer; four granddaughters, Taylor Skaer, Lillian Skaer, Nadia Skaer, Elli Anne Brinkman; and numerous nieces and nephews.Preceded in death by his parents, Gil and Arlene Skaer; and in-laws Steve and Anne Kalafat.Memorials are suggested to Central Christian Church, 1025 Central Ave., Great Falls, MT 59401-3785; or NMS Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs, c/o Pat Volkmar, North Middle School, 2601 8th St. NE, Great Falls, MT 59404.Condolences may be left for the family at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.