Loretta Jean Skewes passed away peacefully in Sun Prairie, WI on May 4, 2026. A lifelong teacher, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend to so many. For 94 years, she walked this world with grace, kindness, resilience, and a heart especially tender toward children.
Her love for children was woven throughout her life. She faithfully served with the New London Awana Club, pouring encouragement, faith, and kindness into young lives for many years. She also cared deeply about children around the world through "Dress a Girl Around the World," a campaign of Hope 4 Women International that brings dignity and hope to women and girls worldwide.
Wherever life planted her, she bloomed. And life planted her in many places over the years - each community, classroom, church, neighborhood, and friendship made better because she was there. She had a gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, encouraged, and loved.
She was deeply revered by her children and grandchildren, and cherished by the countless friends whose lives intertwined with hers along the long road of her remarkable life. Her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the compassion she showed, and the love she gave so freely.
Born Marinette, WI October 2, 1931 to Leon Rosequist-Swanson and Gladys Swanson (nee Miller), she graduated from Racine Park High School in 1949, Union Grove Normal School in 1951 and taught school in rural Racine County in Yorkville, WI. She married Charles Skewes of Racine, WI on December 23, 1951.
Mom so looked forward to meeting her Savior face to face and being reunited again with Dad, Wes, Kris, and all her people who had gone before her. While our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace knowing she is finally home. She is survived by her children Michael, Clint, Jane Algiers, William, Sarah Ringgenberg; daughters-in-law Jean (Frederick), Denise (Thoma); sons-in-law Tim Algiers, Mark Ringgenberg; Grandchildren Jesse, Alissa Soeth (Skewes), Abby, Kelly, Heidi, Jonathan, Samuel and Micah Ives, Bradleigh Algiers, grandsons-in-law Nathan Soeth, Jake Borth, Jake Boebel and Joshua Grossman; great grandchildren Kameron Soeth, Luca Borth, and Isla Borth; niece Barbara Kivisto; nephews Jeff Swanson and Steven Swanson.
She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck Skewes, grandson Wesley Skewes, daughter in law Kris Skewes, Parents Leon and Gladys Swanson, brothers Loren Swanson and Ronnie Swanson.
A private family service will be held to honor and celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in support of the "Dress a Girl Around the World" campaign or to Awana Clubs International, ministries close to her heart: https://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com or https://donate.awana.org
Dahlke Funeral & Cremation Care of Weyauwega serves the family. Friends may visit www.dahlkefh.com to share memories and condolences with Loretta's family.
