3/05/1954 - 11/21/2009

RICHARD J. SKELNIK, 55 BELVIDERE - Richard J. Skelnik, 55, of Belvidere passed away Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in SwedishAmerican Hospital, Rockford. Born March 5, 1954, in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Patricia (Halla) Skelnik. Attended St. Michael Grammar School, Kelly High School and graduated from Kennedy High School. Served in the U.S. Navy. Married Stephanie J. Fryk on April 7, 1990, in Rockton. Richard was a retired service technician for GTE. A member of IBEW Local 51 and an avid Bears fan. Survivors include his wife, Stephanie J. Skelnik of Belvidere; father, Joseph (Becky) Skelnik; sons, Adam (Janice) Skelnik of Phoenix and Matthew Skelnik of Mesa, Ariz.; stepson, Scott (Kari) Schmidt of Belvidere; stepdaughter, Lisa (Bryan) Smith of Kansas City, Kan.; grandchildren, Skyler and Kayden Schmidt, Addelynn and Elizabeth Smith and Kaden Skelnik; brothers, Christopher (Gaylynn) Skelnik of Bartlett; sisters, Cindy (Tim) Cesario of Oswego and Janice (Ed) Schultz of Carol Stream. Preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Swiercz; mother- and father-in-law, Jane and Malcolm Fryk; sister, Joellyn; grandson, Zachary. Service at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Zion Lutheran Church, with visitation two hours beforehand; the Rev. Karl Otto, pastor, will officiate. Private interment. Memorials to the Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements by Belvidere Funeral Home, 203 Logan Ave.