Harold Skripsky

HAROLD SKRIPSKY

Cedar Rapids

Harold O. "Skrip" Skripsky, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died of natural causes Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, with a Masonic Rite at 6:30 p.m. at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Services: 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at the funeral home officiated by Bob Gleason. Following the service, burial will be at the Czech National Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Military Rites will be provided by the American Legion Post No. 298

Harold was born in Omaha, Neb., on May 16, 1921, to Mary and John Skripsky. He graduated from South Omaha High School in 1940. He was a member of the Omaha Sokol Gymnastics Association and attended Omaha University, served two years in the National Guard and enlisted in the Army Air Force Nov. 4, 1942. Basic training was done at Marana Air Base, Tucson, Ariz., and Lincoln, Neb. Air Force Cadet training took place at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, and ground crew training for the 550th Night Fighters P-61 Blackwidow occurred in the San Joaquin Valley with bases at Fresno, Visalia and Solano. He served 38 months in the

Army Air Forces.

On Sept. 3, 1946, he married Ellen Jean Trejtnar in Cedar Rapids. Harold was a custom home builder and general contractor for more than 40 years doing business as Skrip Construction Company.

Harold was a member of Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and as a member of the building committee at the time the church moved to its present location. He was an active member of the Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association, Carpenter's Union, American Legion, National Rifle Association, Brucemore, the Czech Slovak Museum and Library and the McLeod-Busse IMAX Science Station. He served as a board member of Geneva Tower for many years. Harold was a 44-year member of Crescent Lodge 23 AF&AM, receiving his Scottish Rite degree in 1961. He was active in the El Kahir Temple of Cedar Rapids where he was a past member of the Drum & Bugle Corp and Hospital Dads.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Ellen; son, Harold Douglas (Beverly) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughters, Sandi Pratt (Glenn) of Brandon, Fla., and Peg Skripsky Wasson (Bob Gleason) of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Kelly (Brandon) Hurter, Matt (Keli) Skripsky, Misti (Jim) Rakowitz, Justin (Andrea) Wasson and Kristin Wasson; and five great-grandchildren, Coby and Abby Rakowitz and Lincoln, Oscar and baby Hurter; a niece; nephews, his beloved cat, Sox; and many wonderful friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John Skripsky; and a brother, Stanley Skripsky.

Harold was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing in Canada every year with his friends and son. In later years, he enjoyed his beautiful backyard and patio which featured breathtaking flower gardens, wild turkeys, deer, many songbirds and other wildlife. Harold will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his love of animals and his gentle ways. Many precious moments were spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be given to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, the Cedar Valley Humane Society or an organization of the donor's choice.

Please sign the online guest book for Harold at

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