IDA BERTHA SKALKA
December 24, 1916 – February 3, 2010 

     Ida Bertha Skalka, age 93 of Akeley, MN, formerly of Hastings, Nebraska, was promoted into Glory on February 3, 2010 following an automobile accident while returning home from the funeral of her nephew in Nebraska.
     Ida was born on Christmas Eve in 1916 in Grand Island, Nebraska to Edward H. and Bertha K. (Brabander)Hostler. As a small girl of six years, she suffered the tragic death of her mother and grew through her formative years missing the powerful influence and love of her mom. It was in Grand Island that she attended public school and grew into womanhood. On May 18, 1938, Ida was united in marriage to Clement Frank Skalka in Grand Island. This union was blessed with three daughters: Judy Kay, Mary Kathryn and Barbara Ann. Shortly after their marriage, Clement entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country in the Pacific theatre of World War II. During this time, Ida made her home in Hastings, Nebraska. Following Clement’s honorable discharge, they started their family and also engaged in farming near Deweese, Nebraska. Ida devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her family. She spoke many times about her Irish heritage, and being the cheerful person she was, she would sometimes dance an Irish jig and sing an Irish tune. After a number of years they left farming and returned to Hastings where Ida gained employment at the Hastings Regional Center where she worked in various capacities including the occupational therapy department until her retirement. Ida was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clement in 1993. Later in her life, at the age of 86, Ida took on the challenge of earning her college degree. At the age of 91, she graduated Suma Cum Laude with a degree in Theology and Biblical studies from the MN Graduate School of Theology in Brooklyn Center, MN. Ida knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and strove to deepen her personal relationship with Him every day through reading her Bible and prayer. Due to failing health, she left Hastings in 2007 and ventured to Northern MN where she lived with her daughter & son-law, Judy Kay and Stuart Johnson at their resort on Howard Lake between Walker, MN and Park Rapids, MN. She had made her home there until entering Eternal Life.
     Ida will be lovingly remembered by her three daughters: Judy Kay (Stuart) Johnson of Akeley, MN, Mary Kathryn Walker of Charlotte, NC and Barbara Ann Skalka of Hemet, CA; two grand daughters: Kelly Walker and Kimberly Walker both of Charlotte, NC and two grandsons: Jim Johnson of Akeley, MN and Brett (Jill) Johnson of Elk River, MN; her two precious great grandchildren: Courtney Jean and Benjamin; her sister, Dorothy Brunner of Aloha, Oregon as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clement; 6 brothers and sisters and l son-in-law, DeWayne Walker.
     Funeral services will be held 2 PM Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with her daughter and son-in-law: The Reverends Judy Kay and Stuart Johnson officiating.  Special music will be provided by Rev. Fred and Beverly Brown.  The casket bearers will be: Jim Johnson, Brett Johnson, Jill Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Courtney Johnson, Kimberly Walker and Kelly Walker.  Honorary casket bearers will be: Johnny, Patt, Abby & Maddi McConnaughhay.  Interment will be made in the Parkview Cemetery in Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will begin at noon on Wednesday.