Frank Skalla
May 12, 1861-July 14, 1943
Niles lost one of its Old Timers in death when Frank W. Skalla, 82, native resident and former Niles manufacturer, succumbed at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon in his home 309 South St. Jospeh avenue.
Born in Niles May 12, 1861, he had lived here virtually all his life and was the last of a family of five sons and two daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Skalla, Sr.
Mr. Skalla was one of th few remaining Nilesites christened in the old St. Francis mission, a frame structure built on the site now occupied by St. Mary's church.
Until 1913, when the plant burned to the ground, Mr. Skalla assisted by three of his brothers in operation of the Skalla Furniture company and the store established by his father. He served on the Niles police force during 1926 and 1927.
Surviving is his wife, the former Anna Brand, with whom he celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in May. They were married in Peoria, Ill., May 21, 1890.
He also leaves two children, Mrs. Helene Donaldson, and William C. Skalla, both of Niles.
The body will be taken tonight from the Price and Kiger funeral home to the residence where friends may call. Requiem high mass will be conducted Saturday morning at 9 in St. Mary's church by the Rev. Joseph Rochford. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Members of the Holy Name Society of which he was a member will meet in the residence Friday night at 8. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Thursday, July 15, 1943, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)