Fred C. Skellenger

Fred Skellenger, 85, of Greenfield, died Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Salem Lutheran Homes and Rehabilitation Center in Elk Horn. Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 23 at the Greenfield United Methodist Church with burial in the Greenfield Cemetery. Full military graveside rites were conducted by the Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357. A luncheon followed the burial at the church. Pastor Melinda Stonebraker officiated the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Fred Cecil Skellenger was born Dec. 3, 1937, the son of Lester and Faye (Rivenburgh) Skellenger on a rural Middle River farm near Menlo. Fred attended rural schools and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1955. He was the class president. After working for a local plumber, he entered the United States Army on Jan. 16, 1956. His tour of duty included 14 months in France being discharged on Dec. 24, 1957.

On June 21, 1959, he was united in marriage to Kay Guiberson in Winterset. To this union two sons were born, Terry and Kevin. He lived his entire life in Adair County with the last sentimental and memorable 54 years being spent at 605 N.W. 2nd Street on the north edge of Greenfield.

He worked at Mills Motor in Winterset until April 1, 1958, when he went to work for Adair County Survey Crew. He joined the Adair County Assessor’s Office Oct. 1, 1963,and became the Adair County Assessor on Jan.1, 1972, a position he held until finally pursuing a lifelong ambition as a police officer. He joined the Greenfield Police Department in 1976 and joined the Adair County Sheriff’s Office as chief deputy in 1977. In 1978 he went to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy at Camp Dodge in Johnston. Not only did he pass, he became vice president and won the prestigious Conscientious Performance Award. On Jan. 1, 1985, he became the Adair County Sheriff and retired on Jan. 1, 2001.

Fred enjoyed vacationing, fishing, camping, watching sports and especially spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He was a member of the Greenfield United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Terry Skellenger in 1976; brother, Audra Skellenger; sister, Thelma Bennett and in-laws, Joe and Mildred Guiberson.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Kay Skellenger of Greenfield; son, Kevin Skellenger of West Des Moines; three grandchildren: Brittany of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Colin and Ryan Skellenger from West Des Moines; other relatives and friends.