In Loving Memory of Fred Skal, Sr. 

Fred Skal, Sr., 78, a native of Pennsylvania and resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on August 27, 2026, with his loving wife, Karen, at his side. 

Fred attended Penn State University and later graduated from Louisiana State University. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves, carrying with him the values of service, commitment, and dedication throughout his life. 

Fred went on to spend more than fifty years in the automobile industry. Beginning as a salesman, he worked his way through the business as a manager, General Manager, and ultimately an owner. He sold countless automobiles throughout his career and was known for his ability to connect with people, his hard work, his honesty, and his gift for making people feel like family. 

Outside of work, Fred enjoyed the simple things that made life special. He loved boxing, football, and most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren. Fred had his favorite foods and favorite places. He loved heading to Pensacola, where he could do one of his favorite things - baking in the Florida sunshine. A Ground Pati hamburger, Jay's BBQ, or a bag of Wise potato chips could always put a smile on his face, especially when shared with people he loved. 

Fred was a man of strong Catholic faith. His relationship with God was an important part of his life, and he believed deeply in family, helping others, and treating people with kindness. Fred was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. 

Fred also enjoyed Karen’s famous ‘to-do list’ and ‘Karen Time’. Of course, they did not always see eye to eye - especially when he thought Super Glue could fix anything on Karen’s list, while she believed some tasks required a little more than a quick fix. Everyone knows that their playful disagreements were part of the love, laughter, and companionship they shared. 

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his children, Fred John Skal, Jr. (Trisha), Shelley, Shawn (Thesia), and stepdaughter Kristy (Cory); his sister, Sandra; his grandchildren, Josh, Katelyn (Trey), Lauren, Brandan, Ethan, Devin, Erika, Tatum, Jewel, and Helen; and his great-grandchildren, Demi and Braelynn. 

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Skal and Dorothy Hardy; his brother, Dan Skal; and his stepson, Scott Gogreve. 

He is also survived by a large circle of extended family and friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him. 

Fred's family takes comfort in knowing that his Catholic faith carried him home to God. Though he is no longer with us, his love, laughter, wisdom, generosity and example will continue to live on through the generations that follow him. 

Fred's greatest legacy will not be measured by the thousands of cars he sold, the businesses he built, or even the years he devoted to his career. His greatest legacy is serving the country he loved, the family he loved, the friendships he made, the people he helped, and the memories he leaves behind. 

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Catholic mass at 10:00 a.m. on September 24, 2026. 

May Fred's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.