Howard Skolak Obituary

Howard C. Skolak, 96, of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025. Born on May 29, 1929, to Josephine (Francuzowski) and Carl Skolak, Howard, known fondly as Howie, was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister (Sharon), an infant sister, his first wife Geraldine Joyce Jelen, and his grandson Philip Lutzenkirchen.
Howard met Geraldine while working at Western Electric, married her in 1954, and had four children. Geraldine passed away in 1969.
Soon thereafter, he attended a religious group of widows and widowers called NAIM, where he met Phyllis (Grise) Meier (his angel). They fell in love and married in 1970, combining their two families to become "The Skolak and Meier Family" of ten.
Howard lived a loving, generous, and active life. He was genuinely interested in everyone he met, and, despite his all-encompassing family life, he found a way to be focused and present in every conversation. Countless families and friends relied on his counsel and turned to him as a resource in professional and family life.
He was heavily involved in his children's and grandchildren's sports and activities and was honored to be a youth baseball coach for his sons. He enjoyed tennis and golf well into his 80s - and was able to celebrate two Hole-in-Ones.
Howard's loving spirit is carried on by his wife, Phyllis; their children Rosemarie (Don) Tschannen, Jeff (Julie) Skolak, Mary (Michael) Lutzenkirchen, Joyce Munson, Gerry Meier, Barry (Liane) Skolak, Terry (Cindy) Meier, and Kate (Hunter Reno) Meier. He was adored by his 17 grandchildren [Eric (Amy) Tschannen, Tyler (Mila) Tschannen, Austin Tschannen, Jacob Skolak, Amy (Bobby) Rowan, Ann Lutzenkirchen, Abby (Miller) Forristall, Vicki (Kaleb) Garzareck, Kelly Munson, Matthew Meier, Patrick Meier, Melanie Meier, Natalie Meier, Lauren (Max) Flanagan, Joseph Skolak, Ella Rabbino and Chloe Rabbino.
Howard was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren who loved to face-time with Great Grandpa and listen to his stories.
As a young man, Howard played trumpet in bands, and for the USO. He attended Tilden Technical High School and was a member of their championship basketball team in 1946. He served in the Korean War prior to being honorably discharged in in 1952.
Throughout his professional career, Howard worked for numerous corporations in engineering, management, and consulting. At his pinnacle, he established his own business, Howard C. Skolak, Inc, Consulting (1979), during which time he assisted several companies and published impactful articles.
At his cherished home of 163 W. Elm, in Wheaton, Illinois, Howard raised his beautiful family, welcomed his neighbors, family and friends with joy and dignity, cheered for his favorite sports teams, photographed every school dance, solved every logistical problem, fixed every broken appliance, remembered every birthday, and showed the world the powerful impact of a loving and attentive father. Ninety-six years should be enough, but somehow, we still are left wanting more. He will be missed beyond measure.
A visitation will be held at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, Illinois 60187 on Monday, June 30th from 4pm-7pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 1st at 11 am. at St. Michael Catholic Church 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Lutzie43.org Foundation, honoring the legacy of his grandson in the mission to promote safe driving.