Charles J. Skopec
May 29, 1917-Dec. 8, 1977
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Friday, December 9, 1977, page 1
City Councilman Skopec dies at 60
Niles—City flags are flying at half mast today in respect to First Ward Alderman Charles J. Skopec, 60 of 311 Pokagon St., who died at 9 p.m. Thursday.
Niles police were called to Skopec's home at 8:33 p.m. Thursday when the city councilman apparently collapsed on his sidewalk after shoveling snow.
Police administered cardio-pulmonary resuscitation to Skopec, who was taken to Pawating Hospital in a Southwest Michigan Community Ambulance Service vehicle. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Mayor Robert Woodbridge ordered the flags to be put at half mast through Monday. The mayor also said that a decision would be made later about filling's[sic] Skopec's seat on the city council.
According to City Clerk Donna Fout, the mayor may appoint a replacement with the approval of the council, or a special election to fill the council vacancy may be held. There is some deliberation being taken on the procedure since Skopec was to begin a new term in January.
Mayor Woodbridge also announced this morning that Monday's meeting of the city council will be postponed until Monday, Dec. 19, and City Hall will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.
Mr. Skopec was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, the Fraternal Order of Police and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in World War II.
Skopec was a retired 31-year veteran of the Niles Police Department, attaining the rank of captain. Following his retirement from the police, he was a security officer for the First Federal Savings and Loan Assn. of Niles.
In November, Skopec was elected to his third term on the city council. A Republican, he was chairman of the council finance committee, probably the most powerful segment of the council.
He was born May 29, 1917 in Polar, Wis., and had lived here since 1925, coming from Chicago. On May 19, 1937 in Roseland, Ind., he married Alta W. Prenkert, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Martin E., of Buchanan; a daughter, Mrs. Alvin (Kay) Minick, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; three brothers, Frank of Chicago, Rudolph of Bridgman and Theodore of Niles; four sisters, Miss Agnes Skopec of Hartsdale, N.Y., Mrs. Glenn Jones of Russellville, Ark., Mrs. Ralph Peterson and Mrs. Donald Clubine, both of Niles; and one grandson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the St. John's United Church of Christ with the Rev. Robert L. Livingston officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
Friends may call after noon Sunday at the Halbritter Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the St. John's United Church of Christ Memorial Fund or the Niles Community Library.