Fred Skellenger, 85, of Greenfield

Funeral Services: Will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Greenfield United Methodist Church with burial in the Greenfield Cemetery.  Full military graveside rites will be conducted by the Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357.  A luncheon will follow the burial at the church. Pastor Melinda Stonebraker will officiate the service.  The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Open Visitation:  Will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.

Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials:  May be directed to the American Cancer Society.

   Fred Cecil Skellenger was born on December 3, 1937, the son of Lester and Faye (Rivenburgh) Skellenger on a rural Middle River farm near Menlo, Iowa.  He passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Salem Lutheran Homes and Rehabilitation Center in Elk Horn, Iowa, at the age 85.
   Fred attended rural schools and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1955.  He was the class president. After working for a local plumber, he entered the United States Army on January 16, 1956.  His tour of duty included fourteen months in France being discharged on December 24, 1957.  On June 21, 1959, he was united in marriage to Kay Guiberson in Winterset, Iowa.  To this union two sons were born: Terry and Kevin.  He lived his entire life in Adair County with the last sentimental and memorable 54 years being spent at 605 N.W. 2nd Street on the north edge of Greenfield.  
   He worked at Mills Motor in Winterset until April 1, 1958, when he went to work for Adair County Survey Crew.  He joined the Adair County Assessor’s office  on October 1, 1963 and became the Adair County Assessor on January 1, 1972.  He held that position until finally pursuing a lifelong ambition as a police officer.  He joined the Greenfield Police Department in 1976 and joined the Adair County Sheriff’s department as chief deputy in 1977.  In 1978, he went to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.  Not only did he pass, he became  Vice President  and won the prestigious Conscientious Performance Award!  On January 1, 1985 he became the Adair County Sheriff and retired on January 1, 2001.  Fred enjoyed vacationing, fishing, camping, watching sports and especially spending time with his beloved grandchildren.  He was a member of the Greenfield United Methodist Church.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Terry Skellenger in 1976; brother, Audra Skellenger; sister, Thelma Bennett; and in-laws, Joe and Mildred Guiberson.
   He is survived by his wife, Virginia Kay Skellenger of Greenfield; son, Kevin Skellenger of West Des Moines; three grandchildren, Brittany of Castle Rock, Colorado; and Colin and Ryan Skellenger from West Des Moines.  Also, other relatives and friends.