IF LOVE ALONE COULD HAVE KEPT YOU HERE, YOU WOULD HAVE LIVED FOREVER Martin “Marty” Skallerup, former Hastings resident, passed away at his home in Waddell, AZ on Friday, January 28, 2022 attended by his family. He was born on April 30, 1952 in Cedar Rapids, IA to Forrest and Henrietta (Dvorak) Skallerup. He enjoyed explaining why he, his parents and the delivering physician all had the same last name – his grandfather was a doctor and delivered Marty and several of his siblings.
Marty is survived by his wife Lavaun; three children – Heather (Duey) Peterson, Alana Hove, Ryan (Kellie) Tefft; six grandchildren Jeffery (Ilyssa) Skallerup, Matthew Peterson, Marc Peterson, Danny Hove, Mason Hove and Siera Tefft; four great grandchildren Anthony, Adelynn, Kathryn and Robert Skallerup; two sisters Diane (Ron) Schmuck and Terry (Lach) Glennie and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister Sharon, brother Robert and several aunts and uncles.
He spent his early years growing up in Iowa and Illinois before moving to Hastings in the early 60’s. He attended local schools and graduated from Hastings High School in 1971. Marty joined the Navy while in high school and reported for duty after graduation. He spent time on a number of ships enjoying the Kitty Hawk the most. Marty discharged and reenlisted several times and served two tours in Vietnam. He returned to Hastings after his final active discharge and enjoyed reconnecting with friends and family. After spending a few years sowing the rest of his “wild oats” and living a non-regulated life, Marty connected with his future wife, Lavaun and married the loves of his life on January 8, 1988.
They moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1982 where Marty began working with the Civil Service at Fort Carson and enlisted in the Naval Reserve where he thoroughly enjoyed the comradery and travel opportunities that were offered until he finalized his military retirement. In support of career choices, the family relocated to Texas, on to New Mexico and finally to Arizona where they resided from 1997 to current.
Marty was an avid car enthusiast with a focus on classic cars. He could spend hours scouring backroads for old cars or junkyards for parts for something he was working on and spent a number of years employed in automotive retail where his skill and ability were readily acknowledged.
Adjusting to family life had its bumps in the road but Marty embraced those challenges with his typical commitment. He was a dedicated family man who consistently put his family first. He adored his wife and children and was putty in the hands of his grandchildren.
Known as the family “McGuyver” there was almost nothing he couldn’t fix or find a solution for. From science fair projects, tangled necklaces, to a heart that needed healing in just the right moment… this “Mc-Guyver”, this “Superman”, never missed a beat or failed to mend whatever was broken. All of these traits made him the perfect father who not only connected with his family but taught by example and then led the way to solidify learning with love and devotion to us all.
Services will be held in Alexandria, MN at a later date. Any remembrance should be made to a valid Vietnam Veterans Association.
