Bernadette `Sadie` Skibinski , Age 95


June 29, 1925 --January 08, 2021

Bernadette Barbara "Sadie" Skibinski, nee Kempski, 95 years old, peacefully passed from this life to the next on January 8, 2021 at Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wisconsin.

She was the fifth and youngest child born to John and Martha Kempski on June 29, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is survived by her son, Thomas (Tammy) of North Prairie, daughter Kathleen (Don Behling) of Merrimac, daughter-in-law Ann Koszuth of Nixa, Missouri, and grandsons Eric and Matthew Skibinski. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph Peter, oldest son Gregory John, brothers Frank (Stella) and John (Jackie), sisters Louise (Don Goggins) and Alice (Russell Sansone), in-laws Bruce and Bernie Young, Evelyn and Ray Sakowski, Leonard Skibinski and by many other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Her extended family, to whom she is affectionately known to all as "Grandma Sadie" includes several step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and surrogate grandchildren. She is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as her faithful companion Wilson.

Born at home in Milwaukee, she called the house on 14th Street home for much of her life. She was a faithful member of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, where she was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, Confirmation and married Ralph Skibinski on April 10, 1948 upon his return from service in WWII. In 1988, after devoting her life to the care of both parents, she and Ralph bought a home on Morgan Avenue in Milwaukee. Later, she lived at Prairie Point in Madison, then Oak Park Place in Baraboo, and recently her daughter and son-in-laws home in Merrimac. She brought joy, love, laughter, and cookies to every home she lived in and everyone she met.

Sadie graduated from elementary school at St. Hyacinth and then Milwaukee Girls Trade and Technical High School. During WWII she contributed to the war effort by working at Allen-Bradley Company assembling transistors. She then proudly worked at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company as a housekeeper from 1967 until her retirement on June 30, 1990. But by far, the work she was most proud of was the responsibility that came from the gifts of marriage and motherhood. She was a beloved and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and extended family, who loved her dearly and will miss her greatly.

Sadies Roman Catholic faith sustained her throughout her life, and after leaving St. Hyacinth, she was a faithful member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Madison, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo. She set an example to everyone by living her faith through kindness and generosity to all she met.

Sadies love for baking was renowned among those who knew and loved her. Long before her grandsons could say "Grandma Sadie," she was "Grandma Cookie." Her pumpkin roll was legendary, even among those who never met her. The spread of Christmas Cookies she produced every year would put Mrs. Claus to shame, and we will forever miss her butter horns, pinwheels, bachelor buttons and toasties, but mostly her chocolate chip cookies. When she wasnt baking, she was tending her beloved gardens, and her yard on Morgan Avenue was a showplace, featuring her roses, colorful display of annuals and her meticulously manicured lawn.

Everyone who knew her remembers her energy, excitement and anticipation at Christmas because her entire extended family would all be together. It was a labor of love for her for decades to plan and orchestrate Christmas Eve dinner at "14th Street" where happy hour, dinner and gifts for 40 or more left her unfazed. Newcomers were quickly welcomed into the fold and felt like one of the family within minutes. She instilled the age-old Polish tradition of the Christmas Eve Oplatki that will continue with future generations. Everyone ever there remembers the traditional Polish dishes, including gruskapusta and home-made Polish sausage, followed by "a little" blackberry brandy and a "friendly" game of poker. Her portrayals of Santa and Mrs. Claus along with her sisters and niece were legendary.

Because of COVID-19, a private visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held with immediate family only on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo. Interment will follow at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Milwaukee with a private graveside service. A larger Celebration of Life will be held later in the year when we all can gather safely to honor this remarkable woman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in her name to the Parkinsons Foundation, Agrace Hospice & Supportive Care of Southern Wisconsin, The American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice. The Redlin Funeral Home in Baraboo is assisting the family.



Condolences

Judy m Schneck January 10, 2021

friend Oconomowoc , Wisconsin

The butterhorn Queen. We are all sending our deepest condolences but are grateful for the belief that she is in Heaven celebrating her reunion with Ralph and Greg. Her smile and laughter (as well as her wit!) will be missed. They don't make them like her anymore. Love, Judy, Mark, and the girls-who always called her "Grandma Sadie".

Bill Check January 13, 2021

Friend of family Madison , Wisconsin

Skibby, I never met your mother but I can certainly sense her wonderful spirit and love of life in her daughter. My thoughts are with your family. Memories of chocolate chip cookies last forever!

Geraldine Mirr Kammer Roth October 05, 2023

Godchild of Frank Kempski Baraboo , Wisconsin

I am somehow related to the Skibinski's and Kempskis thru my parents, Frank and Theresa Mirr. I recall Frank Kempski, his daughter Cynthia, a Ralph Skibinski. I am sorry to hear of the death of Sadie. I didn't know her but recognized many of the names in the obit. I was born and raised in Milwaukee.