Obituary
Glen Wilson Skewes
Glen Wilson Skewes set sail on October 19th, 2024, at age 83. This skipper was born in Mayville, ND, the third child to George Skewes and Ruth (Viall). He will be remembered warmly by friends and family for his beautiful singing voice, the joy he took in sharing his love of music and sailing, his sparkling sense of humor, and his tendency towards puns and mischief.
In recent years, Glen dealt with health challenges and was lovingly cared for by his wife, Pat. Listening to music and visits from his children, grandchildren, and friends also brought him joy and comfort.
Glen is lovingly remembered by his wife Pat, children Jason (Sharon) and Elizabeth (Adam), stepchildren Tabetha and Tad (Ron), grandchildren Morgan, Dane, and Soren, and nieces Ellinor, Lynsy, and Teresa. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Alice, brother Richard, and nephew Charles.
Glen grew up in St. Cloud, MN. He earned his Bachelor of Chemistry degree at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and his PhD in Physical Chemistry at Washington University, St Louis. He married Patricia Manthey in 1965. Jason was born in 1973, and the following year they moved to La Crosse, WI, where Glen took a job teaching Biomedical Electronics at Western Wisconsin Technical Institute. Elizabeth was born in 1976. Glen and Patricia separated in 1994.
Glen was an original member of the La Crosse Chamber Chorale and sang in the La Crosse Choral Union where he met and fell in love with Pat Swanson. They married in 1996, and he was embraced by her parents and grown children, eagerly taking on the Bumpa role when he welcomed his first grandchildren, Morgan and Dane.
Glen loved sailing and spent many happy hours on Lake Onalaska, teaching both of his kids to sail. As the years went by, the boats outgrew the lake, taking him and Pat to Madeline Island on Lake Superior. Many happy memories were made with friends and family sailing around the Apostle Islands. This is also where his third grandchild, Elizabeth and Adam’s son Soren, learned to sail from his GG (Grandpa Glen). Glen also loved adventures with Pat exploring the Pacific Northwest with Tad’s and Elizabeth’s families.
Glen retired from teaching but didn’t stay retired for long, reveling in the opportunity to work in the Gundersen Health System in biomedical electronics, as he had taught so many students to do over the years.
In remembrance of Glen, gifts can be made to the Gundersen Medical Foundation – Medical Education (gundersenhealth.org/foundation) or the La Crosse Chamber Chorale http://(chamberchorale.org/donations).
Glen will be remembered as a great teacher, friend and coworker. Fair winds Glen.
So sorry to hear about Glen. Remember him coming into store.
Glad you have many happy memories with Glen.
I always enjoyed visiting with Glen. And like many others, I enjoyed hearing him sing. May he rest in peace now.
What a guy!
It was always a pleasure to see him with his sly smile and calmness.
Glen was packed with knowledge and I remember Pat saying, “if it moved he could fix it”.
He and Pat made the best of couples.
A great loss to many.
Our sympathy to all.
My deep sympathy to you, Pat and all of Glenn’s families on this great loss. I hope your warm memories blanket you with comfort now and the days to come. Hugs, Kathy Henriksen
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and Glen’s families. May your memories help you all during this difficult period. Debbie Heller
Pat,offering our sympathy. We just saw this today for the first time. I remember Glenn, when we were volunteering at Gunderson and he always had such a nice smile.
So sorry Pat and family. Cherish the memories!
Oh no. Pat I am so sorry for your families loss. You two made such a super sharp couple. What an amazing man and life you two had together.
Glen was a great guy. Always enjoyed talking with him. Very intelligent and kind guy. Got to know Glen when we were both working at Gundersen. He will be missed.
I do remember his puns and dry sense of humor.His smile will be remembered and he brought everyone much happiness.
My heart goes out to you Pat and the family.
I smile when I think of Glen. I worked at WWTI (WTC) when Glen did. Such a fine, happy, always smiling person. It was a blessing to have known him. Peace to Glens family.
So sad to hear about Glen, I met him when he worked at Gundersen and was introduced by his daughter Tab who was a HUC with myself. Sending prayers and sympathy to all the family.
Glen was always ready for a good conversation and it was interesting to talk with him, he will be missed. May his memory be a blessing
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for peace for you and your family. Glens smile and twinkle in his eyes will always be remembered
Pat, so sorry to learn of your loss. It sounds like you and Glen made many wonderful memories together. Hold those close to your heart and I hope they bring you much joy. Wishing you well, Sonia
I was so sorry to to read of Glen’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you Pat & your family. May God grant you His peace, grace & comfort.
So sorry to hear Glen passing. I worked on several projects at Gundersen with him. Enjoyable to work with and his sailing stories. God bless. Kathy