Daniel James Skelly, age 73, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Dan was born January 22, 1953, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to William and Shirley Skelly. He was raised in Grand Rapids, MN, where he later built a life centered around family, hard work, friendships, and the many things he loved.

In May of this year, Dan and his beloved wife, Deb, celebrated 50 years of marriage. To their family and friends, they were simply “Sweetie and KOSA,” and together they enjoyed many adventures, from traveling on their Harley out West to attending NASCAR races in Bristol, Tennessee.

Dan was a hardworking man who spent 33 years with Blandin Paper Company before retiring in 2008. Retirement did not keep him still for long, and he later drove school bus for District 318 for nine years, retiring in July 2022. Over the years he also owned and operated Skelly’s Tree Farm.

Dan had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and trapping, and proudly collected Newhouse traps and attended trapper conventions with Deb and friends. Most of all, Dan loved spending time with his family and was especially proud of his six grandchildren: Abby “Mini Moe,” Gracie “Red,” Christian “C-Man,” Jack “Jackie Boy,” Danica “Bullwinkle,” and Kate “Katie the Lady.” He rarely missed their sporting events and activities and loved being their grandpa more than anything.

Those who knew Dan will remember his loud, funny, sarcastic, patriotic, hardworking, honest, loyal, and caring personality. He said exactly what was on his mind, whether you wanted to hear it or not, and he would give you the shirt off his back. He was easily amused, and if something caught his attention, you could almost always count on hearing his favorite word: “UNBELIEVABLE!” His unmistakable laugh and hearty cackle could be heard across a room, and you always knew Dan was there.

Dan’s greatest legacy was the love he had for his family. He loved fiercely, gave generously, and cared deeply. He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend who left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Dan’s final months brought him a profound peace in his faith. Although he had always believed in God, he had never truly experienced a personal relationship with Him. In the final months of his life, Dan opened his heart to Jesus Christ, professed his faith with tears and emotion, and accepted Him as his Savior. He received Holy Communion before his passing, and his family found tremendous comfort knowing that Dan had made peace with his faith and was ready to go home to the Lord.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Deb Skelly; his children, Samantha (Dave) Nikkel, Staci (Adam) Godfrey, and Jake (Ashley) Skelly; his grandchildren, Abby, Gracie, Christian, Jack, Danica, and Kate; and his siblings, Sue Skelly and Tim (Barb) Skelly, along with many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Shirley Skelly; grandparents, Leon and Eva Skelly and Willard and Eva O’Laughlin; and other loved ones.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jamie Vickerman, Tracee Puglisi, Brenda Morris, Dr. Rostad and the ALS team, the St. Croix Hospice team, Pastor Micah Labovitch, Lance Edminster, and all the friends and family who surrounded Dan with love, care, and support. We are forever grateful for everything you did for Dan and our family.

Dan’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers: Gracie, Jack, and Kate Nikkel; Christian Schafer; Abby and Danica Skelly.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Grand Rapids Evangelical Free Church in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Micah Labovitch will officiate. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Cohasset, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dan’s memory are preferred to The ALS Association, online at als.org or by mail to The ALS Association, 1919 University Ave. W., Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104.

Dan lived loudly, honestly, generously, and unapologetically. He loved his Sweetie, his children, and his grandkids with his whole heart. He worked hard, played hard, laughed often, and made memories that will live on in his family forever.

And knowing Dan, if he could see everyone gathered to celebrate his life, he’d probably look around, shake his head, and say “UNBELIEVABLE.”