Bruce Allan Skaro

Bruce Allan ‘Buzz’ Skaro passed away on the morning of March 23, 2023, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI, with his loving wife by his side.

He was born on Monday, Jan. 28, 1952, in International Falls, MN, the 3rd child of Lloyd and Leila (Bakke) Skaro. As a young child the family moved to McFarland, WI. At the age of 12, he lost his mother to a brain aneurism. A few years later he was blessed to have another mother. LuAnn entered his life, as well as two more siblings, Kevin and Kim. LuAnn unconditionally loved Bruce, Larry, and Marsha, as she did her own. She provided nurturing love, acceptance and support until her final days. Bruce always referred to her as Mom, because that’s what he felt in his heart.

He graduated from McFarland in 1970, and one month later enlisted in the Navy where he served his country for four years as a Corpsman. It was during this time that he married, had three children, and resided in Illinois. Bruce subsequently was divorced and returned home to Wisconsin. Bruce was remarried in 1987 to his childhood sweetheart, Donna. Bruce embraced, parented, and loved unconditionally, Donna’s daughters Angie, Jeni, and Paula, as his own. He also grieved though, the loss of relationships with Jodi, Matthew, and Ryan from his prior marriage.

After working for 28 years with the State of WI, Bruce retired from Mendota Mental Health in 2011. Retirement allowed him to enjoy fishing, playing cards, taking in a casino trip or two, reading, and following his favorite sport, football. But above all, his greatest love was for his wife, children, and grandchildren. Family was #1. Bruce and Donna hosted the family get togethers for close to 38 years, working together as a team to show their love to all.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Donna, who he had known for 54 years; Angie Hoke; Jenifer Carter; Paula Carter; Jodi Taylor; and Matthew and Ryan Skaro. Brother, Kevin (Sue) Kufahl; sister, Kim (Joe) Garber; sister-in-laws, Susie (Jeff) Gerbitz and Mary Ripp; brother-in-laws, Herschel (Holly) Porter and Lloyd ‘Butch’ Hauge; sister-in-law, Lakesha Porter; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous Aunts and Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd, Leila and LuAnn; brother, Larry; sister, Marsha Hauge; in-laws, Roy and Betty Porter; brother-in-law, Chris Porter; grandson, Abdoul ‘Malick’ Sillah; and honorary grandson, Aaron Johnson.

Per Bruce’s wishes there will not be a funeral service and burial will be private at a later date.

Special thanks to Agrace Hospice for their care. In particular, Lindsay, Marie, Erica, Dr. Susan Ferguson, and Dr. Linda Blust.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 15th, from 1-4pm @ Truax-Longmire VFW Post 8483, 5737 County Hwy CV,

Madison, WI 53704.