MARTIN JAMES SKALA

Martin James Skala, 73, of Hoyt Lakes, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 24, 2012 surrounded by his family after an eight month battle with cancer. Visitation will begin at 9 A.M., followed by 10 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial, Monday October 29, 2012 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Hoyt Lakes, Fr. Steven Daigle officiating. Services by Ziemer Moeglein Shatava Funeral Home of Aurora. Martin was born in Ely, Minnesotaon October 15, 1939 to John and Angela (Kovall) Skala. He graduated from Ely High School in 1957. He attended Junior College in Ely and UMD majoring in education. In 1969 he recieved his masters degree. On August 27, 1960 he married Rosemary Koivisto at St. Anthony's Church in Ely. He began teaching in the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes school district in 1961, teaching Fourth Grade at Keefe School. In 1976, he moved to administration, first as assistant principal in the high school, then as junior high principal. He finished his 35 year education career as High School Principal, retiring in 1995. In retirement he enjoyed fishing, hunting and travel. He was a member of Queen of Peace Church, serving as trustee for the past 18 years, and volunteered at the Hoyt Lakes Community Credit Union on the supervisory committee. Underneath Martin's gruff exterior beat a heart of gold, he will be dearly missed. Martin is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rosemary; son Dr. Mark (Colleen) Skala of Hammond, WI, daughter Mary (Donn) Benson; grandchildren Laura (Evan) Swartz of Silver Bay, Jesse Benson of Duluth, Amy (Stuart) Beauregard of Hibbing, Josh Benson of Duluth, Jordan Benson of Duluth, Andrew Skala of Hammond; four great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Grace, Elizabeth, and Samuel Swartz; sister Marion Kangas of Ely. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Jack; granddaughters Stacy and Stephanie Benson.