Michael Skaff

Michael A. Skaff, age 77, passed away January 17, 2021. He was the foster son of Charles and Margaret Kurzhal and son of Mary and Joeb Skaff. Mike was born on September 3,1943 and grew up in the Farmer and Salem, South Dakota area and attended a country school nearby. He graduated from Boys Town High School in 1961. He then went on to South Dakota State University and later University of Nebraska at Omaha to obtain a Masters Degree in Science. Mike started his teaching career at Carter Lake and retired from Lutheran Family Services as a Mental Health Counselor. Mike was an avid rugby player for many years for the Omaha Rugby Club. After retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at Boys Town in the Hall of History and spending time at the YMCA. Most of all, he loved to create laughter and spending time with his nieces and nephews and attending family sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his foster parents, parents; brother, Bob Skaff; and sisters, Theresa Skaff and Lois (Vic) Brinker; and brother-in-law, Harland Kessler.

Mike is survived by his nieces and nephews, Brian (Robin) Skaff, Barb Skaff, Brenda (Don) Rief, Beth Skaff, and Bonnie (Dev) Stutsman; great nieces and nephews, Allison (Bryce Flint), Andrea (Cody Eichmann), and Tom Rief (Hannah Collins) and Madeline and Ellie Stutsman; sister-in- law, Jean Skaff; brother, Dan (Meagan) Skaff; sister, Betty Kessler; and a host of other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, January 23, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Church (13232 Blondo St, Omaha, NE). Visitation will be held the hour prior to the service. A second visitation will be held on Monday, January 25th at Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem, South Dakota from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Internment is in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Salem, SD. Memorials can be directed to Boys Town Alumni.