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Skala, 97, enjoyed love of family, horses

Norman Skala enjoyed a love of horses nearly from the time he was born.

Meeting western movie star Tom Mix at Soldier Field when he was 5 years old - and receiving a prize from the legend for "Best Western Costume" - simply sealed the deal.

Skala, 97, died Thursday at Delnor Hospital in Geneva due to complications from COVID-19. As sad as Skala's passing was to his extensive family and numerous friends, his son preferred to reflect on a tremendous ride that lasted almost a century.

"I absolutely have to emphasize that he had one of the most charmed lives of anybody I have ever come across in my life," Lawson Skala said. "He did everything exactly how, when, where, etcetera, etcetera, as he wanted."

Skala was born in 1923 in Chicago but moved to St. Charles as a teenager, where he developed into an expert working with horses and settled at what became known as the Triangle S Ranch. A St. Charles High School graduate, Skala enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve with a cavalry unit and saw combat throughout the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II.

After spending time in China, Burma and India, earning a Bronze Star among other medals, Skala returned to St. Charles. He married Marjorie, his wife of 70 years, and embarked upon a career as a horseshoer and horse trainer while raising Lawson and his sister, Vickie.

Skala participated in rodeos throughout the country, both as a rider and as an announcer. When he wasn't driving to events with his family during the summer, he became a fixture at the Kane County Fair.

"He had a really, really wonderful life," Lawson Skala said.

Skala is survived by Lawson, sister-in-law Katherine Schultz, son-in-law David Akemann, three grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by Marjorie, his daughter, Vickie Akemann, and grandson John Akemann.

In his memory, Skala's family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or an animal welfare organization.

Norman Skala Courtesy of Lawson Skala
When Norman Skala of St. Charles was 5 years old, he received a cowboy costume prize from movie legend Tom Mix. Courtesy of Lawson Skala
Norman Skala of St. Charles grew up with a love of horses. Courtesy of Lawson Skala
Norman Skala of St. Charles served in an Army cavalry unit throughout Asia during World War II. Courtesy of Lawson Skala
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