Eleanor Ann Skagenberg, 94, of Monticello, passed away at 11:59 p.m., on April 11, 2019, at the Piatt County Nursing Home.
Ann was born December 3, 1924 near Milmine, IL the daughter of Clarence and Grace (Baumann) Lefever. She married Richard Carl Skagenberg on August 25, 1946 at the Milmine Christian Church.
Ann graduated from the Milmine grade school, the Bement High School as Salutatorian, and from the University of Illinois in Home Economics. In early years of marriage from 1946-1947 she lived in Detroit, MI and worked for the Children’s Aid Society, then Singer Sewing Machine store. In Rochester, NY from 1947-1949 she was employed by RGE in the home service department demonstrating appliances to customers in their homes. In Springfield, IL in 1949 Ann demonstrated IH freezers at dealers in nearby towns while Richard managed Abigail Studio. In 1950 after selling the studio they moved to Miami, OK where Richard worked for Color Research. In 1951 both helped with the C.A. Bastert farming operation at Primrose Farm in Camp Point, IL. In 1952 both Ann and Richard began their farming careers in Milmine, IL, lasting for 35 years. After retirement in 1987, Ann and Richard continued to manage the family farm and market the grain.
Ann was a member of the Milmine Christian Church until it closed and then became a member of the Monticello United Methodist Church. She was a life member of the U of I Alumni Association, Bement Women’s Club, Piatt County Historical and Genealogical Society, D.A. R., and was a Piatt County 4-H Club leader. Ann enjoyed bowling, traveling, history, crosswords, needlework, gardening, playing piano, photography, genealogy, canning, cooking, and leading the music program at Milmine Christian Church.
Ann is survived by her husband, Richard C. Skagenberg of Monticello; niece-in-laws, Susan Bastert of Loda, Janet Wilkins and Shelley Wolfe both of NC, Carol Warner, Susan Schultz, Renee Compton, and Pat Briggs all of OH; grand-nephews, Nathan Bastert (Bethany) of Phoenix, AZ, Benjamin Bastert (Fiancé Gwendolyn) of Camp Point, Brandon Youngberg (Kim) of Andover, Kyle Youngberg (Amy) of Aurora; nephew-in-law, Dave Youngberg of Andover; and several great-grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine Bastert (Clarence) and Charlotte Rainey (Lynn); nephew, Bruce Bastert, and niece, Betty (Rainey) Youngberg, niece-in-laws Marilyn Larson and Mildred Recupero, and grand-nephew Aaron Youngberg.
Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Monticello United Methodist Church. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Monticello United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Bement Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Piatt County Nursing Home, Kirby Medical Center, Monticello United Methodist Church, Harbor Light Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.
