Lake Mary resident, Joel Daniel Skibbe, 57, passed away in his home on March 27, 2015, after a 2 ½ year struggle with ALS. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Northland Church in Longwood, FL. Joel was born on August 27, 1957, in Michigan City, Indiana, to James Edward and Joan Heiermann Skibbe. His father was a P.E. teacher and his mother was a registered nurse. Joel, along with his two brothers, Jeff and Jay, grew up in LaPorte, Indiana. He played many sports in his youth, but basketball was his favorite. In fact, when Joel played in the Maverick Basketball League in the 4th grade, he scored 261 points in 10 games. His basketball ability and leadership continued through high school, where he helped the LaPorte High School basketball team win the Sectionals after a 27-year drought. Joel attended Southwestern Michigan Jr. College before moving to Florida and graduating from the University of Central Florida in 1983. He was immediately hired to teach P.E. at Wilson Elementary School in Seminole County, where he stayed for 30 years. The thousands of students he taught over the years meant so much to him, and the staff he worked with were like family. Joel married Mary Ann Unrein nearly 25 years ago, on April 7, 1990. He took much pride and joy in her his 3 children, Janelle Catherine, 21, Joel Daniel Jr. (J.D.), 12, and Jenna Grace, 10, all of whom survive him. Joel enjoyed playing basketball, biking and running, but his favorite past-time was spending time with family and friends. Joel was preceded in death by his mother, Joan. He is also survived by his father, James; brothers, Jeffrey David and Jay Edward; and his many, many friends and coworkers. In lieu of flowers, the Skibbe family would appreciate donations to the ALS Association.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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