Ishpeming, MI - Stuart A. "Stu" Skauge, age 73, of 458 Oak St. Ishpeming, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, at UP Health System Marquette.

Stu was born in Ishpeming on September 7, 1949, a son of the late Betty E. (Dawe) and Stuart A. Skauge. Stu grew up in Ishpeming and was a cherished community member.  He was a graduate of the Ishpeming Class of 1967, received his bachelors degree in education from NMU, and then a masters degree in school administration also from NMU. He served in the US Army, 1970-72, Tank Commander, Sergeant E-5: Vietnam War, stationed in Korea.

Stu took on so many different roles throughout his life: beloved dad, brother, grandfather, educator, city councilman, chief negotiator, and a leader wherever he went.  After graduating from Northern Michigan University, he became a Math and Science teacher (mainly 5th grade) for 33 years in the Marquette Area Public Schools.  He had a passion for science, and he led programs including the Space Shuttle project and Bay Cliff camping for his students.  He also served during that time as the President and Chief Negotiator for the MEA.  Once he retired from teaching, he moved into a role within MEA as a UniServ Director for 10 years, representing Marquette and Alger counties.

Throughout his long career, and post-retirements, he remained involved in a wide array of community organizations.  He was a lifetime member and Past Commander of the VFW Post #4573, and remained involved in organizing many veteran activities.  For twenty-one years, he was also a member and officer of a committee that planned the Ishpeming Fourth of July Celebration.  The 4th of July was his favorite holiday, and even after leaving the committee, he would still manage to get involved hanging flags and making floats.  He also served as an Ishpeming City Councilman, both in the 1980's and currently.  Stu was a part of the development of several major projects including the Lake Bancroft Pavilion and the Ishpeming Senior Center.  He also had active memberships in the MEA retired organization, the Rotary Club of Ishpeming, the Cliffs Shaft Mining Museum, the Ishpeming Elks, and the Hiawatha Radio Association.

Beyond his extensive community involvement, Stu's main passion was simply this: helping others and being with people.  There was hardly a person he didn't know in the area, and anywhere he went, he would make friends.  If you didn't see him out and about in town, you know he could be found at his favorite hangout, Congress Pizzas, telling jokes.  And finally, if you knew Stu, you knew as a long-time Coca-Cola collector, you'd better not try to serve him a Pepsi!

Stuart is  survived by two daughters, Tracy (Derek) Larson of Traverse City and Sandy (Evan) Foster of Metamora, IL; a son, Brian (Brenna) Skauge of Peoria, IL; four sisters, Susan (John) Jarvis of Laurium, Nancy (Dennis) Grove and Pamela (William) Malmsten, both of Ishpeming, JoAnne (Graig) Hornkohl of Easley, SC, two brothers, Stephen (Pam) Skauge and Jeffrey  Skauge (Erica DeGarmo)  both of Ishpeming, 3 grandchildren Audrey, Lucas and Dean along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow at 6:00pm on Friday with Fr. Larry Van Damme officiating.  Military Honors will be accorded by the U.P. Army Military Honors Team. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A reception and meal will be served at the Ishpeming elks following the services.

Memorials may be directed to the Bay Cliff Health Camp, PO Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808, Ishpeming VFW #4573, 310 Bank St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 or the Ishpeming Rotary Club, PO Box 217, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Stu's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.