Rodney Skattum

Lt. Col. Rodney Robert Albert Skattum, age 59, of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on May 16, 2026, Rodney was born on February 8, 1967, in Darlington, Wisconsin, to Robert and Karlena Skattum first born son, who was raised with strong values of hard work, service, and family.

Rodney graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1985 and later attended the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, earning a degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Military Science. He was active in FFA during his younger years and participated in ROTC while in college. Rodney proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for 27 and a half years, serving during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, among other missions. Through dedication and steady leadership, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from military service.

On August 4, 1990, Rodney married Sandra “Sandy” Skattum at First English Lutheran Church in Platteville. Together they built a life centered around family, faith, and the farm they purchased in 2003. Rodney worked many years as an electrical engineer in Madison, WI and was known as a quiet man who worked hard, cared deeply for his family, and never asked for much. He found happiness in the simple things — time spent at home, farm life with family, traveling, riding motorcycles, and enjoying the peaceful life he built with Sandy.

Above all else, Rodney loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who led by example through kindness, strength, and dependability.

Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; his children, Eric (Tianna) Skattum , and Andrew Skattum; and his cherished grandchildren, Evelyn and Henry Skattum. His father: Robert (Kathy) Skattum and his mother Karlena (Robert) Woodward, he is also survived by his siblings: Thurl (Jill) Skattum , Laurie (Brian Treuthardt) Simonson, Heather (Roy) Vice, and Jannine (Matt) Hein.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Skattum; uncle Rodney Rowe; aunt Thurley Frontz; and grandparents Albert and Windfred Rowe and Hampton and Winegene Skattum.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Erickson Funeral Home, 508 Main St., Darlington, with Rev. Han Lee of Darlington United Methodist Church officiating. A visitation will be held Friday, from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by Bates-O'Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.