Skrypek, Paul J. 1939 - 2024

SKRYPEK, WOLLIVER, NUMEDAHL, KELSEY, BOWER, KRIVENKI, BOONE, MORAN, KNAPKO

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/19/2024 at 14:34:03

Paul J. Skrypek, 85, of Calmar, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 5,
2024 in Williamsport, PA.
Born June 24, 1939 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of Paul L. Skrypek and Elizabeth
(Wolliver) Skrypek. Paul was a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Township Junior-Senior High School
in 1957. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he attended basic
training in Fort Bliss, GA and was later stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, he
moved to New York City where he was employed by American Maze as an office manager.
Paul met the love of his life, Karen Ann Numedahl, while living in New York City. They were
wed at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, IA on June 1, 1963. They had three children,
Kathy Kelsey (Troy) of Lancaster, VA, Jay Skrypek of Hughesville, PA and Kirstie Bower (Jim) of
Decorah, IA.
Paul and Karen moved from New York City to Wilkes-Barre, PA and then on to Williamsport, PA
in 1968, where Paul was employed with the U.S. Post Office for 29 years until his retirement in
1997. After retirement, they moved to Kill Devil Hills, NC where they enjoyed the beach life for
many years before returning to Karen’s home town of Calmar, IA.
In addition to his children, Paul leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Dane (Amanda) Kelsey, Ryan
(Sarah) Skrypek, Johnny Skrypek, Rachel Bower, Hailey Bower, Emily Skrypek, Lindsey (Dan)
Krivenki and Brittany (Russell) Boone; and 4 great-grandchildren, Brielle Kelsey, Eliza Skrypek,
Kyla Kelsey and Everett Skrypek. He is also survived by a sister, Marie Moran of Mountain Top,
PA and a sister-in-law, Sue Skrypek of Dallas, PA.
Preceding Paul, in addition to his parents, was his wife, Karen; siblings Barbara Knapko and
James Skrypek; and in-laws, John Knapko and Joseph Moran.
Paul was a quiet man with a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Among his many passions
were reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, fishing, traveling, bicycling and running. He ran
the Marine Core Marathon at age 44 and completed the RAGBRAI at age 70. He was fond of
breakfast, pizza (he never met a pizza he didn’t like!), sweet treats, root beer floats, a well made
martini, pink flamingos, bow ties, berets and Jimmy Buffet. He was a proud member of the
Parrot Head Club.
We will miss his humor, his impeccable style, his stories of traveling around Europe and NYC,
his wisdom on how to mow the perfect lawn and how to make a bed you could bounce a
quarter off of. We will never forget the lessons he taught us, the passions he passed on to his
children and grandchildren and his ability to make us all laugh when life got too serious.
A private memorial will be held with the family at a later date.
Our family would like to thank Hillside Assisted Living and UPMC Hospice for the care given to
our father in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UPMC Hospice or activities at Hillside Assisted
Living. And always remember to leave things better than the way you found them.

Source: Decorah Newspapers July 16, 2024