SUTTONS BAY- Ralph Charles Skrocki, 97, of Suttons Bay passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Ralph lived a full life that would be difficult to fit it into a single obituary. After all, this is a man who owned an orange car before it was fashionable, enlisted in the Navy at sixteen by convincing the government he was eighteen, sold blood to pay college expenses, and played football.

Born on December 8, 1928, in Jackson MI, Ralph grew up during the Great Depression and came to age during World War II. Like many of his generation, he learned early that hard work wasn’t optional. Throughout his life he held more jobs and hobbies than most people can list on a resume’, including newspaper carrier, rabbit raiser, trapper, gas station attendant, postal worker, grocery clerk, construction laborer, beer truck driver, bartender, scuba diver, sailor, factory worker, educator, business manager, school superintendent, church volunteer, handyman, and professional problem solver of whatever problem was sitting on the kitchen counter, and still found time to raise a family and fix everything that broke.

Ralph was a lifelong believer in education, even though he occasionally took unconventional paths to acquire it. He worked his way through college as a butcher, salesman and whatever else paid the bills. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Doctorate of Education degrees from Western Michigan University. He spent decades serving students and communities through public education.

He loved telling stories, and fortunately for all of us, he wrote them down. Stories about hiding beer from state troopers, accidentally starting someone else’s car because the keys fit both vehicles, driving an Army truck at fourteen, surviving a plunge through river ice, and burying a bottle in wet concrete that may still rest beneath a church floor today.

Despite his adventures, Ralph’s greatest pride was always his family. He often credited his parents for teaching him the importance of hard work, honesty, kindness, education, and faith. Later in life he gave much credit for his success and longevity to his beloved wife, Mary, whom he deeply loved and appreciated.

Ralph never stopped learning, helping, fixing, building, volunteering, or offering advice. He believed in treating people with respect. He believed a young married man should have two sawhorses available for any project. He believed in paying cash whenever possible. And believe that if something needed doing, you should simply get started.

After more than 9 decades filled with work, service, friendship, laughter, and enough stories for several lifetimes, Ralph has now moved on to his next adventure.

We imagine he arrived carrying a toolbox, a deck of cards, and a few suggestions on how things should be organized more efficiently.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and frequently quoted.

His was truly a life well lived. He lived, loved and left a legacy.

Ralph, our patriarch, is survived by a group of above average and very good-looking family.

His much younger wife Mary kept him busy with activities, and occupied with to-do lists, all while maintaining his sense of humor.

Ralph is remembered with great love by his many children, Dave Skrocki and very talented wife Andie, Frank Skrocki, Chris Tooley and her lovely husband Tom, Sue Skrocki Barry and her husband Tom, Ann Skrocki Carlton, and so many grandchildren and great grandchildren that we got worn out trying to list them all. Ralph had 2 sons who are with him now, Tom and Jeff Skrocki.

Please share condolences and memories with Ralph’s family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.