Willis R Schikora

Willie R. Schikora, 86, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024, Flag Day, at his home in Libby.  He was born at the Schikora Home on 1st Street in Libby, MT, March 11, 1938, to Lewis Schikora and Martha Becker.  He grew up on 1st Street and interestly, his future wife, Linda, grew up on 4th Street.  He attended 12 years in the Libby Public Schools and graduated in 1957.  He was very active in sports, including football, basketball and track.  He was a 4 year letterman in sports.  Growing up, he loved the city swimming pool and would do great dives off the high diving board, which Linda loved watching him do as she grew up.  Willie married Nellie Beagle and they had 2 sons.  On May 30, 1992, he married Linda Swenson Caneer in Ronan, MT.

Willie was a very proud veteran, serving active duty from 1958 – 1961 and then in the Army Reserves.  He was Honorably Discharged February 29, 1964. Willie was a very hard worker and worked in the logging industry for 26 years, some of that at the Libby lumber mills.  He loved working in the woods.  He also delivered propane for Northern Energy for 20 years.  He was a member of American Legion Post #97.

Willie remodeled his home on the Kootenai River Road, adding rooms and a garage to the home.  He did all his own yard work, even at 86 years old.  He was ‘Mr. Clean’ and kept everything neat and organized.  He enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler on the roads behind his house on the river and rode his bike every evening to keep in shape for skiing.  Willie was an avid skier and skied at Turner Mountain almost everyday it was open.  He worked on the old T-bar for 20 some years.  He used to say, “I am 86 and still going down hill”!  Willie also loved fishing, hunting and camping at Leigh Lake with his sons and their friends.  He loved going to the MK Steakhouse when it was open and enjoyed dancing to live music at the local bars in Libby.  Willie loved his dog ‘Mr. Tucker’ and cat ‘Fugi III’. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Martha Schikora; step daughter, Jodi Caneer; grandson, Sean Schikora; brother, David Schikora; sister, Joyce Valcore; and nephew, Billy “Blaze” Schikora.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; sons, Don Schikora (Dee) of Colorado Springs, CO and Mike Schikora of Farmersville, TX; step son, Jeffery Caneer of Cornersville, TN; brother, William Schikora; sisters, Pauline Nixon and Lillian Schikora; grandchildren, Autumn Keegan and Alecia Lamkins; great grandchildren Lance Gesford, Taylor Gesford, Amaliyah Lamkins, Ariyah Lamkins, Alonso Lamkins, Essiah Lamkins and Emias Lamkins; nephew, Jeff (Lori) Schikora;and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Schnackenberg Funeral Home, 422 W 2nd Street, in Libby.   Visitation will be 1-7 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2024.  Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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