John Skrbec Jr.

Memorial Mass for John Skrbec Jr., 77, of Gilbert, will be 11am Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Charles Flynn officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. John died Thursday, May 15, 2014 at his residence. John was born October 2, 1936 in Breze, Slovenia to John and Ivana (Lousin) Skrbec Sr. In April 1944, the family moved to St. Johann in Tirdl, Austria and in 1951 they immigrated to the United States. In 1955 he married Barbara Kukar in Gilbert. In the late 1970's he purchased the Hi-Hat restaurant in Gilbert and renovated it to become Little Italy, which is now known as The Whistling Bird. He worked for Erie Mining Company as a train operator and brakeman and retired from there with 37 years of service. In his earlier years, he worked at his father's slaughter house in Gilbert. John was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, was active in the community and especially in youth sports. He was instrumental in Gilbert's first ice arena, known as "The Bubble". He especially enjoyed aggravating his brother, Leo, playing cards and listening to polka music. Survivors include his children: Cliff (Joanne) Niedzielski of Hoyt Lakes, John (Carey) Skrbec of Grand Rapids, Kathy (Barry) Trach of Forest Lake, Susan (Nick) Antonovich of Gilbert and James (Mary) Skrbec of Cromwell; brother, Leo (Yvonne) Skrbec of Gilbert; sisters, Joanne Milos of Utah and Angie (Steve) Rogers of Midway; special friend, Ida Pullen of Arizona; grandchildren: Matt, Brian, Eric, Sara, Erin, Leah, John, Jamie, Allycia, Alex, Nicholas and Justin; nine great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lud and brother-in-law, Jan.