Adrian J. Skroch

Adrian J. Skroch, an endearing man who lived life with a sparkle in his eye, has passed on. He leaves in his wake a legacy of dedication to his family, faith and community. The 97-year-old died on June 25 with family at his bedside.
He was born to Andrew and Agnes Skroch in Independence in 1919 as the youngest of 11 children. The third-generation Polish American fashioned his values and character as a youth in Independence before joining the U.S. Navy as a young adult. He reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer during his service in World War II.

He married Sally Skroch, another Independence native, during a short shore leave in 1942. While the leave was short, the marriage was long; spanning 67 years before Sally’s death in 2009.Adrian and Sally lived in Bloomer where they raised three children including Andy Skroch (Effie), Jane Bowers (Cliff) and Sue Mohr now deceased (Tom). Behind that generation are seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, all of whom feel gifted to have shared in Adrian's loving and spirited longevity.

Adrian is familiar to many in the Bloomer area for delivering fuel oil in his iconic Standard Oil truck. His career as a bulk fuel supplier approached 40 years. Throughout their lives in Bloomer, Adrian and Sally were active members of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Their children attended St. Paul’s elementary school, and Adrian served for a time on the Parish Council. His community involvement included the Chippewa County Board where he served as a supervisor for 10 years. He also held volunteer positions with the Bloomer Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, and the founding committee which initiated fundraising necessary to build Bloomer’s hospital.During his retirement, this warm and gentle man enjoyed his membership in the American Legion Post, golfing, fishing in all seasons, bowling, gardening, playing cards each weekday morning with buddies at the local cafe, and volunteering at the Bloomer Area Aquatic and Recreation Center. Family interests and activities, however, trumped all of this. This was a special man.

The family extends its appreciation to Dove Health Care, Colfax Health and Rehab and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care of its beloved patriarch. Thanks also go out to numerous individuals in the community who provided wide-ranging support to Adrian in his final years.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's Catholic Church on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 10:00 A.M with Father Victor Feltes officiating. There will be a visitation from 4:00-7:00PM at Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer on Sunday July 30, 2017 with a Wake Service at 7:00 PM with a time for sharing stories. Military honors will be preformed at the North Catholic Cemetery by the Bloomer American Legion and VFW following the service. Online Condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com Memorials preferred to the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund or the Gazebo Project at Dove Healthcare in Bloomer.