Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Max E. Skaj, age 85, of Sartell who passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Reverend Michael Wolfbauer will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Gathering Space at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. The Knights of Columbus will pray at 6:00 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gathering Space. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home in Sartell. Max was born on May 25, 1925 in Avon, Minnesota to Thomas and Anna (Korneck) Skaj. He married Alma Ruf on June 13, 1946 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Anna. Max worked as a Carmen for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 34 years retiring in 1985. He also farmed in LeSauk Township throughout his life. Max was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #5276, Eagles Aerie #622, Crosier Apostolate, Mended Hearts, NARVE, and a former member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Granite City Lodge #812. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and farming. Max especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be missed for his generosity and kindness. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alma; children, Laura (Bob) Steger-Grams, Mark (Jeanne), Mary (Mike) Zyvoloski; grandchildren, Todd and David Steger, Michael, Sarah and Anna Zyvoloski, and Emily and Tony Skaj; three great grandchildren; sister, Betty Kutzman; brothers and sisters in law, Marian Hartung, Clarence (Alberta) Ruf, Francis (Joan) Ruf; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters, Annie Tuzinski and Vern Busby; brothers and sister in laws, Anthony, Pat, Gust, John, Clarence, Clem, Roger and Margie. A Special Thank You to the staff at the St. Cloud Hospital and Country Manor Villa for the care given to Max.
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Mark, Mary, Laura, and all –
My own father’s passing brought me to this site. I have so many fond memories of being with uncle Max and aunt Alma, and with you my cousins. I believe I was taught to ride a bicycle on a large girl’s bike at uncle Max’s farm. (I was too short to sit on the seat, so I learned standing up. I’m not sure but that might be one reason I now have 9 unicycles, and rode the newest ones in August 2020. I taught my sons to unicycle many years ago. We would ride together.) I’m grateful for all the love and attention I felt from your family. Forgive me for the distance that my poor choices have put between us. (The Catholic church told me not to marry her. They were right. It brought disgrace to the Ruf family. If you want to hear the truth, I’ll tell you the situation my own parents never listened to.) Thank you for the best memories, of times growing-up with relatives.
Blessings and Love to you and yours!
James Ruf
, Nephew August 17, 2020
Alma and Family – your extended family in California mourn with you over Max’ passing. He will be missed and remembered always. Love, Bonnie
Bonnie Tuohy Long
, Niece September 19, 2010
I will always remember walking over to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and playing in the barn with all the cats! And, of course, visiting Grandma and Grandpa and playing cards. I will miss you Grandpa.
Emily Skaj
, granddaughter September 15, 2010
Mark & Family, Very sorry about the loss of your Father. You are in our prayers.
Bob & Mary Kovell
, Family friends September 14, 2010
Alma, Very sorry for your loss, he’ll be in your memories always. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Ray & Iva ( Vern’s step daughter)
Ray & Iva Engel
, step relative September 13, 2010
Alma, Laura, Mary, and Mark, Dean called us about Max, and we are so sorry to know he is no longer with us. Max was always so kind, thoughtful, and gentle – a man of such class. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Love, Patsy, Satch, & Stephanie
Pat Sigler (Bielejeski)
, niece
Now that I now havesome time. Ihave so manymemories of Max,on the farm, taking meto piano lessons, at the car shops, on the milk routeand so many more. I sure wish I could have seen him one more time. God’s speed and bless you Love Francis
Francis
, Brotherinlw
We are so sorry to hear about Max and are very sorry that we will not be able to attend services. We have so many fond memories of Max that we will cherish forever. Our sympathies to all your family.
Stan and Judy Bielejeski
, Nephew
Sorry we can”t attend the services. I have two doctors appointments on Wed.
Joan and Francis Ruf
, Brotherilaw
Alma, Laura, Mark & Mary,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
I was having breakfast at Perkins this morning in St.Cloud, after a class reunion, when I read the news of Max’s passing. Over the years since high school, Max and Alma always made an effort to visit with me, at our families funerals. He was a very kind man.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Gathering Space at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. The Knights of Columbus will pray at 6:00 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gathering Space.
