Ernest W. Skuse's Obituary
Muskegon – Ernest W. Skuse, 89, passed peacefully at the home of his daughter Sandy, surrounded by his loving family after an extended illness on December 2, 2020. He was born on August 31, 1931 in Lincoln, MI, the son of William and Ina (Doyle) Skuse. He leaves behind his wife Alice Skuse. He also is survived by his seven children, Timothy (Karen) Skuse, Sandra (Richard) Nolan, Julie (David) Hazekamp, Lori Horan, Darren Skuse, Kelly Mundinger and Kerri (Daniel) Jacobs whom he shared with his former wife Eunice (Wolf) Skuse, who preceded him in death in 2008. They would like to share his story with you.
Our Dad came from meager beginnings, and like so many in his generation, grew up in a time when it was not uncommon to quit school to go to work to support the family. He left high school to work at Teledyne Continental Motors, eventually retiring after 44 years of service. While there he worked many positions but was elevated to District Chief Steward/Chief Steward and President of the Union of which he was very proud.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War and spent two years overseas, working as a Military Police Officer. We are deeply honored by his service to our country. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
We are also proud that our Dad worked as an officer for the Fruitport Township Police Department back in the day, and served as Chief of Police, all while maintaining his full-time job at Teledyne. He did have a lot of mouths to feed!
During his early years, he enjoyed camping, hunting, playing fast pitch softball, (he had quite a throw), and coaching baseball for the Beach Club Little Leagues and Pony Leagues. He was also a member of the Hi-Nabors Square Dancers, and we spent many nights watching our parents Do-si-do at the old dance hall in Fruitport. We think we got our dance skills from our Dad. We have many sweet memories of camping all over Michigan, making skating rinks in the front yard, swimming in the pool he built, and enjoying life. It will always be the simple things that we remember.
Our Dad married Alice (Schaub) Skuse on September 15, 2007, and together they have enjoyed many years of travel and making rounds on the local Karaoke circuit. He loved singing all the oldies from some of the best country stars to ever live. He had a few favorite songs, and they will always bring a smile to our faces when we hear them. We are his biggest fans.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Elwood (Ruth), Donald (Barbara) and Victor (Leota), and one sister, Inis (Clarence) Tucker.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Alice and seven children, are 19 grandchildren (and spouses) and 25 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon (Keith) Eitnear.
He made many friends along his life’s journey, whether through work, sports, karaoke, or his many adventures, and will be remembered for his quick wit, his charming smile, and just having a good time. He loved his family very much and would tell us that every time we were with him.
Our Dad didn’t attend church much, but his faith was very important to him, and it was a pleasure to watch him honor that in his last days on earth. We thank all who were a part of that journey.
Last, we would all like to sincerely thank Sandy and Dick Nolan for opening up their hearts and home to our Dad these past four months. As many of you know, it is not easy to be a 24/7 caregiver, but we know our Dad was so very grateful that he could be taken care of at home and see all of us who cared deeply for him. Sandy and Dick have watched more old westerns than you would care to know, but that was his favorite. Thank you for allowing all of us to wrap him in love these past few months, you are so giving, and we have been so blessed.
“Life is the question and life is the answer, and God is the reason and love is the way”. – Johnny Cash
Due to COVID, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions if you so wish can be made to Muskegon Harbor Hospice who took such wonderful care of our Dad, in memory of Ernie.
Share memories with the family online at http://www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
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