Robert F. Skoch, 90, of Axtell, Kansas, died on Saturday morning, April 24, 2010 at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca.

Robert was born February 22, 1920 on a farm northwest of St. Benedict, KS to Venzle B. and Rose Haefele Skoch. He grew up and helped on the family farm, attended St. Mary’s Grade School, where he graduated from 8th grade. He graduated from National School of Aeronautics in Kansas City in 1941.

On February 3, 1942, Robert married Imeldia Burdiek at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly, Kansas. After their marriage he worked for aircraft manufacturer Lockheed in Bell, California, near Los Angeles, during World War II. When the war ended in 1945, they moved back to Kansas where Robert farmed in the eastern part of Marshall County until 1962. While living in the Summerfield area he bought and sold hogs for the Summerfield Sale Barn and also worked for the Meyer Lumber Company in Axtell. He was the treasurer for the Summerfield School District and also served on the School Board. The family then moved to Seneca where he owned and operated Skoch Café. Later he worked for Wayne Neff Construction. In 1966, they moved to Axtell where he was the maintenance engineer at the Axtell School for 18 years. In 2004, they retired and moved to Sabetha, and then to Seneca in 2009.

Robert was an active member of the community. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell, and the Knights of Columbus Council #1169. He enjoyed woodworking, walnut cracking, gardening and fishing. He especially enjoyed making rocking horses, cribs, and tables and chairs for children; in addition, his love for the birds led him to build birdhouses of all kinds.

Survivors besides Imeldia, his wife of 68 years, are his children and their spouses, Annette & Ron Burton of Summerfield, Gary & Elsie Skoch of Olathe, Marilynn & Jim Laessig of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Lois & Dennis Kotas of Milligan, NE, Steve & Marti Skoch of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Ruth & David Storms of Independence, Missouri, Jean & Bruce Braddy of Manhattan, Kansas and Jane & Darrel Meyer of Lenexa, Kansas; a brother, Sylvester Skoch, of Seneca, Kansas; a sister, Mildred Mueting, of Axtell, Kansas; and 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Kelly; his brothers, Raymond and Paul Skoch; and sisters, Anna Marie Carroll and Thelma Key.

A rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM Monday, April 26, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 27, also at St. Michael’s Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. He will lie in state Monday morning at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given for St. Michael’s Church & School.