Gail Skelly

Gail Roach Skelly passed away on 9/20/2025 at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born April 12, 1943 in Janesville, WI to Lucille and Vincent Roach. After the passing of her mother just days after her birth and while her father was serving in the Navy in the Pacific, Gail was lovingly raised by her paternal grandmother, Ella Murray, and her husband Johnny.

Gail attended St. Patrick's School and graduated from Janesville High School in 1961, where she met her future husband, Michael Skelly. She attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and graduated in January 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education. Gail and Mike were married January 2, 1965 in Janesville, WI.

Their family was blessed with three children: Kelly, Kari, and Michael. Gail taught school and raised her family as they moved about the country from Wisconsin to Tennessee, North Carolina, and Iowa. Together with her family, she and Mike enjoyed tent camping and traveling to most of the 50 states and National Parks. She retired from teaching in May 2005, having taught preschool through sixth grade with kindergarten being her favorite. After retirement, she and Mike enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe and spending winters in South Padre Island, TX. Gail and Mike adored their grandchildren and were a big part of their lives as they grew up around the country. Now they are enjoying watching them get married and have their own lives.

While living in Atlantic, Gail was active in her church, teaching catechism and Vacation Bible School, working on fundraising and other parish activities. She also was active in PEO, Browning Literacy Society, Retired Teachers, and Library Book Sales. Gail enjoyed playing cards, walking the quarry, social golf, and swimming with special friends.

Gail is survived by her husband of 60 years, Mike, daughter Kelly (Dave) Kuehn of Iowa City, Iowa, daughter Kari (Bill) Bunce of El Dorado Hills, CA, and son Michael (Leslie) Skelly of San Diego, CA and her grandchildren; Molly Kuehn (Will Morgenlander), Jen Doyle (Dillon), Joey Kuehn, Tim Kuehn, Victor Bunce (Phoebe), Ella Martin (Noah), Lucy Bunce, Keira Skelly and Elsie Skelly. She is also survived by her sisters; Margaret Myhre (Steve), Rita Helmeid, Mary Roach (Jim VerHoeve), Cathy Meier (Edward), and Hannah Roach (Mike Spoon), 2 brothers; Tom and Ed Roach, and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Karwal, Dr. Ashat and the Medical Staff at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. In keeping with her lifelong commitment to education, Gail chose to donate her body to the University of Iowa School of Medicine. Per her wishes, there will be no immediate services, but her family will gather privately to celebrate her life at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Atlantic Public Library, 507 Poplar St, Atlantic, Iowa 50022. Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com