Paul A. Skoch, 75, of Baileyville, Kansas, died Friday, May 23, 2003, at a Frankfort care home.

Paul was born November 18, 1927 on a farm northwest of St. Benedict, Kansas, the youngest son of Venzle B. and Rose Haefele Skoch. He grew up on the family farm, attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Baileyville High School in 1945. He attended St. Benedict’s College in Atchison for one year prior to returning to work on the family farm.

On April 15, 1950, Paul married Eleanor W. Bokern at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly, Kansas. After their marriage they lived on and farmed the Skoch homestead for a year and then moved to a farm south of Axtell for a short period. In 1953, they purchased a farm northwest of Lillis and lived there for nine years. In 1962, they purchased the Skoch homestead and returned to the St. Benedict community.

Paul was a farmer and raised cattle and hogs all of his life. In 1990, he and Eleanor retired and moved to Baileyville. Prior to becoming a resident at a Frankfort care home in April of this year, Paul had lived at Redbud Plaza in Onaga for 18 months.

Paul was an active member of the communities in which he lived, willingly donating his time and talents to community projects and activities. He served on several community boards, including the Northeast Area Extension Advisory Council for Kansas State University, the Nemaha County Extension Council, and for 14 years as the agricultural representative on the Citizen’s State Bank Board of Directors. He was involved in many programs for the development of youth including leader of the Hustler’s 4-H club and coaching Pee-Wee and Little League baseball in St. Benedict for more than 10 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years, was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville, serving as a lector for 25 years.

Survivors besides his wife Eleanor are four daughters, Elaine Skoch of Lawrence, Kansas; Janet Holthaus of Osage City, Kansas; Lisa Moser of Wheaton, Kansas; Marcia Koelzer of Lincoln, Nebraska; three sons, Michael Skoch of Hastings, Nebraska; Mark Skoch of Baileyville; and Maurice Skoch of Topeka; two brothers, Sylvester Skoch of Seneca and Robert Skoch of Axtell; and two sisters, Thelma Key of Emporia and Mildred Mueting of Axtell; 20 grandchildren and five god-children.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Mary in 1954; a brother Raymond Skoch; and sister Anna Marie Carroll.

Rosaries will be prayed at 7 PM Saturday, May 24, and 2 & 7 PM Sunday, May 25, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Monday, May 26, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given for Sacred Heart Church or Catholic Charities Outreach in Baileyville, and sent in care of the family.