Stephan C. Skridla, 73, of Rockford, passed away at home on July 29, 2026. Born in Rockford, IL, on October 28, 1952, to Frank and Joyce (Harlacher) Skridla. Stephan was a proud U.S. veteran, serving in active duty from 1972 through 1976, then joining the Army Reserves and National Guard from 1976 through 1984. After graduating officer candidate school, his highest rank was second lieutenant. He married his high school sweetheart Sarah Saltzgiver, on September 9th of 1972; the same year they had graduated from Auburn High School. Stephan worked for many years doing machine maintenance and retired from Testors Corp. Stephan was a Boy Scout/ Cubs Scout leader for several years for troop 1 in Pecatonica and took great joy in dressing up as Santa Claus for the children. He was an avid reader and could always be found cheering on the Green Bay Packers. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and most of all; spending time with his beloved grandchildren and his dog Ginger.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Sarah; children, Joe (Deb) Skridla, Nicholas (Teresa) Skridla, Rhonda (Matthew) Reeves; grandchildren, Devan Skridla, Max Skridla; step-grandchildren, Hayden Reeves, Brittney Davis, Tatianna Latham; sister, Pat Green; and special friends, Judy and Perry Cramer and family. He is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Joyce; stepfather, Kenneth McKiski, and brother, David Skridla.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. To send your condolences online and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.