Vincent John Skierka

Vincent John Skierka, 64, of Pompey’s Pillar passed to his eternal reward on March 9, 2022. He was a devout, practicing Roman Catholic and died wearing the scapular of Our Lady, fortified by the Sacraments of the Church and surrounded by his wife and children. Vincent was born on November 21, 1957, in Fort Benton, MT to John and Bernice and grew up on his family’s farm south of Chester. He was the seventh of eight children. He is a 1975 graduate of Our Lady Queen of the Prairies Academy in Powers Lake, ND where he met his future bride, Theresa Goldade. They were married on May 1, 1982, and would have celebrated their 40th anniversary this year. Vincent and Theresa lived on the Skierka family farm for 18 years, until July 2000 when they moved to Pompey’s Pillar and began working their own farm with their three sons and fourteen daughters. Vincent was a great steward of the land and loved his life of farming and ranching. He would haul cattle for himself and others and really enjoyed the short trips. He understood the value of hard work and a job well done and passed this work ethic and appreciation of living off the land to his children. His family was his delight and he looked forward to and readily joined in all the little pleasures family life brings. To his family he was a hero and peaceful support. His children fondly called him Papa. The most important factor in Vincent’s life was his Catholic faith. He attended Mass regularly. Each morning before starting his workday he would make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to the daily family rosary, Vincent prayed many rosaries while working throughout the day. He never left home without checking that his rosary was in his pocket. He had a devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers. Vincent was a wonderful example to his children and, with Theresa, instilled in them a genuine love for and devotion to their Faith. Vincent suffered with cancer and complications from double pneumonia. He was so grateful to all those who prayed for him. He told his wife, “I have no way of thanking everyone for their prayers. I am offering all my sufferings for all those who are praying and sacrificing for me.” Vincent is survived by his wife, Theresa; children, Sr. Maria Savio, F.M., Sr. Marie de Montfort, F.M., John (Jessica), Sr. Mary Judith, F.M., Emily, Lucy Ann (Matthew) Regner, Julieana (Bryon) Johnson, Edward, Virginia, Celina, Jennifer, Cyril, Justina, Bibiana, Marciana, Denise, and Rose; five grandchildren; three brothers and four sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bernice Skierka. Rosary will be recited at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Black Eagle on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Requiem Mass will be offered by Bishop Joseph Santay, C.S.P.V at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16,2022, followed by burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery.