In memory of council member Stuart Skauge
June 16, 2023
The passing of council member Stuart Skauge
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Stuart “Stu” Skauge, our friend and City Council member. Following his retirement from public service in education, he remained a dedicated leader in retirement, serving on the Ishpeming City Council and continuing to be active with the MBA-Retired organization. As a member of the current City Council, he had served three years of his second four-year term (2016 – 2024). Stu passed away Friday, June 16, 2023. 
During this difficult time, City Council and city staff will mourn Stu and remember the tremendous impact he had on the City of Ishpeming. He has served the community for 33 years as a public school teacher, a member of the Michigan Education Association (MEA), including time as the President-elect, President, and Chief Negotiator for his bargaining unit in the Marquette Area Public Schools for over 25 years. He would go on to become the MEA UniServ Director in Marquette and Alger Counties for another 10 years before his retirement.
Stu also proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a Sergeant (E-5), Tank Commander from 1970 to 1972 for the US Army. As a war veteran, Stu also contributed an important voice to our veteran community and is a lifetime member and former commander of the Ishpeming VFW Post #4573. Stu could be observed leading a parade, and participating and planning Memorial Day Services. You could find him every year standing in jubilee supporting the VFW Buddy Poppy program, which provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home. He was always visible in his veteran service hat and supporting veterans and their families, including actively advocating for the funding and construction of the Marquette Veterans Home.
During his time in Ishpeming, Stu engaged on many large- and small-scale projects or events and created long-lasting impacts on the community for which he served and he called home. He loved Ishpeming and represented the residents, giving his heart and soul for the betterment of all. He was notably part of the development panel for the construction and paving of Malton Road, and the construction of the Lake Bancroft Pavilion and Ishpeming Senior Center.
In adherence to the City of Ishpeming Charter, the city will begin the process for filling the vacancy.
Remarks:
- “It is a sad day for the City of Ishpeming, we have lost a kind and active person that I will never forget!! Fly high councilman Skauge.” – Council Member Pat Scanlon
- “Stu was a brother-in-arms, supervisor and friend who will be greatly missed. His constant support to the veterans and devotion to this town will leave a void like no other.” – City Manager Craig Cugini
- “My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Stu Skauge. I, along with so many others have had the honor of calling Stu a mentor and friend. Stu embodied what it means to serve others; he is a veteran and lifetime member and leader of the VFW, an educator, a leader and inductee into the U.P. Labor Hall of Fame, and as a City Council member here in Ishpeming for many decades. He always put the needs of others before his and I am honored to have been able to serve on the City Council with my mentor and friend. My heart breaks for his kids whom he was so proud of, and for all of his family.” – Mayor Jason Chapman
- “Stu will be greatly missed by so many. He always gave so much to the City of Ishpeming, as well as so many other organizations. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends.” – Assistant to the City Manager Cathy Smith
Permalink URL: https://ishpemingcity.org/2023/06/in-memory-of-stuart-skauge/
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