Brian Skalbeck

Brian Skalbeck, age 81, of Mound, went to his forever home on January 29, 2026 after failing health the last two months due to a kidney cancer diagnosis in 2023.

He was born in Granite Falls, MN; was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was a 1962 graduate of Sacred Heart High School where he was a skilled athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. He attended Gustavus Adolphus for one year before being named interim U.S. Postmaster of Sacred Heart, MN for three years. He then served in the Air Force where he was stationed in Topeka, KS working as a flight simulator on C-130's. Following his service, he completed his education receiving his degree from Southwest State.

Brian and Dee were married in 1978 and realized their dream of lake living with the purchase of their Lake Minnetonka home in 1982. Brian was employed as a route driver with Grong Sales out of Marshall. He played basketball on the Marshall town team forming life long friendships. After their wedding, he moved to the cities and was employed as a route salesman for G&K Services for 30 years.

Brian loved lake living, traveling, Lake Mary vacations, spending November on the Florida panhandle beaches, reading, card playing, sports of all kinds, attending family functions and being of service to others. His smile and laugh were infectious.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents Odean and Vi Skalbeck, his sister Pat Wharton and his brother-in-law Fred Thunhorst.

Brian is survived by wife Dee; sister Dianne Thunhorst; brother-in-law Bob Wharton; nephews Dan Thunhorst (Kris) and Greg Wharton (Katie); niece Ann Thunhorst-Anderson; grand-Nephews Asher Folz and Nathan Wharton; grand-nieces Emma and Elizabeth Wharton; a large contingent of Dee's family and many relatives and friends.

Funeral service is Tuesday, Feb. 10th, 11 am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2451 Fairview Lane, Mound. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church.