June 6, 1984 — Oct. 19, 2014  

Benjamin Henry Skalla, age 30 years of Niles, Michigan died on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 unexpectedly.

He was born on June 6, 1984 in South Bend, Indiana to Jay C. and Cecilia A. (Petruska) Skalla, and grew up in Niles, Michigan. From childhood to his high school years, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from The University of Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies. Throughout the years, he worked at Niles Precision Company, filling in as needed. Recently, he was pursuing a career as a chef and loved to cook for his family.

Ben was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles, and a volunteer at its Christian Service Center. He was an avid golf player and had a love for knowledge. He enjoyed traveling the world and experiencing all that life has to offer. His family remembers his witty sense of humor, his distinct chuckle and his courage to tenaciously face life in all its complexities. All remember him as a loving son, brother, grandson, and uncle.

Surviving family includes his parents, Jay and “Cece” Skalla, sisters, Julia (& Adam) Wilson of Niles and their children, Caeden and Norah Wilson, and Lisa Skalla of Chicago, Illinois; grandmother, Betty Skalla, and grandfather, Henry Petruska, both of Niles; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Skalla and grandmother, Norah Petruska.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Benjamin Skalla will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. Alphonse Savarimuthu, MSFS of the parish with the Rev. William P. Melody of Notre Dame, Indiana concelebrating. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Ben may be made to the Christian Service Center, 322 Clay Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com