Paul Joseph "Skip" Skamser, Jr., 75, of Superior, WI, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Villa-Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center, Superior, after a long battle with cancer. He remarked, "This cancer is a formidable opponent." Although cancer took his life, it did not defeat him; he maintained his strong intellect and gentlemanly manner throughout his illness.

Paul J. Skamser, Jr. was born on September 5, 1939 in Superior to Paul Joseph and Sarah Hunter (Turney) Skamser.

Paul attended Lincoln and Franklin Elementary Schools in Superior and he graduated from Superior East High School in 1957. He received a B.A. Degree in Journalism from U.W Madison in 1963 and a M.A. Degree in Journalism from South Dakota State University in 1975. During college, Paul received a Reader's Digest Scholarship and participated in Air Force ROTC.

Paul's professional career was as a writer/photographer at the Waterloo Iowa Daily Courier, the Ashland WI Daily Press, the Sawyer County Record at Hayward, WI and the Superior Evening Telegram. He also was a self-employed freelance writer and photographer. He took pride as a news reporter in having interviewed all three of the Kennedy brothers who held national offices: John, Bobby and Ted.

Paul spent his childhood summers at the family's cabin on Middle Eau Claire Lake in Barnes, WI. He established connections to the Town of Barnes which he cherished for his entire life. Paul was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed following the Spartans, Yellowjackets, Badgers, Packers and Brewers. Paul seldom missed his daily viewing of Jeopardy. He also enjoyed travel, visiting 49 states and 3 foreign countries.

He is survived by two nephews, one niece, eleven grandnieces and grandnephews, two great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon H. Skamser; niece, Kirsten (Skamser) Johnson; and cousin, Barbara Skamser.

Visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service, Monday, April 27, 2015, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior. Reverend Will Mowchan will officiate.

Interment will be at the Barnes Memorial Cemetery, Wednesday, June 17th at 1 p.m. Following the committal service, everyone is invited to the Barnes Community Church for a luncheon.

Paul extended thanks to all who visited, supported and cared for him during his illness, with special thanks to Arlene and Beth; Gordon and Monique; and Jon and Buzzy.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to, Barnes Area Historical Assn., 51580 State Hwy. 27, Barnes, WI 54873.

To sign the online guest book or send condolences, please visit www.downsfh.com