ALENE W. SKIBA GREENE
Alene W. (Gard) Skiba Greene, 92, of Alpena, passed away on Jan. 3, 2019 at Medilodge of Greenview. She was born on Oct. 13, 1926 in Minneapolis, Kan. to the late Elton and Lillian (Grubb) Gard. Her only sibling was an older brother Jerry Gard, who has preceded her in death.
When Alene’s father quit teaching high school science in 1939 to go into the U.S. Weather Bureau, her family moved from Kansas to Missouri, then to Ohio and finally settling in Alpena. She graduated from Alpena High School in 1944 and then went to Michigan State University for 2-1/2 years.
On Dec. 21, 1946 she married Harry J. Skiba, the youngest son of the 10 children of Michael and Anna Skiba. Before Harry could establish his own construction company, he worked for various contractors around the state which involved moving many times. With each move, Alene would pack everyone and everything up. They resided in East Lansing, Ypsilanti, Grand Rapids, Scotts, Big Rapids, Glennie and Tawas City before finally moving to land they purchased near Black River and building their three-level home to raise their five children. Together they established and ran Thunder Bay Construction Company. Harry constructed many churches and large commercial buildings around the state, and Alene managed the accounting and secretarial aspects of the business. They continued to run their business until Harry’s death on March 8, 1977.
After Harry’s death, she entered nursing school, fulfilling her lifelong dream. She graduated as an LPN in August 1979 from Alpena Community College. She spent 10 years working at Alpena General Hospital, retiring in December 1989.
On Jan. 8, 1988, she married Thomas A. Greene of Alpena, a successful realtor in the Alpena area. He preceded her in death on April 17, 1997.
She is survived by her children Judi (Carl) Bruske of Ossineke, Mich., Jim (Keith McLaughlin) Skiba of Guernewood Park, Calif., Gary (Kathy) Skiba of Belmont, Mich., Bill (Judy) Skiba of Lansing, Mich., Harry Alan (Terry) Skiba of Pueblo, Colo., as well as 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Cremation arrangements have been handled by McWilliams Funeral Home. A private family memorial service will be held in the spring. Any donations may be made to the Medilodge of Greenview employee fund. Online condolences may be registered at www.mcwilliamsfh.com.