Leonard Robert Skoglund

Leonard “Skip” Skoglund, 79, of Pueblo West, Colorado, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026. He was born on October 30, 1946, in Nuremberg, Germany and spent his early years living in Germany, South Dakota, and Liverpool, England, before his family settled in Yuma, Arizona, in 1953.

Following his high school graduation, Skip served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He specialized in aviation electronics with the 25th Infantry Division at Cu Chi base camp, 20 miles northwest of Saigon. Skip completed his military service at Fort Carson, Colorado, before moving first to Denver and then to Pueblo, where he built a career with Mountain Bell and US West spanning decades – first as a lineman and repairman, then playing a key role in bringing enhanced-911 systems to communities across Southern Colorado until his retirement. Passionate about flying, Skip logged many hours post-retirement virtually flying his favorite plane around the world, often flying over the homes and neighborhoods of family who lived far away.

Skip rarely sat still for long. Whether on the water, boating and water-skiing, riding dirt bikes, or logging thousands of miles across the West on either his Harley-Davidson or in his jet-black Cadillac (the Batmobile had nothing on The Caddy), he lived life in motion. He was rarely without his German Shepherds throughout the years, and is now reunited with Zeus, Axel and Kela. His current faithful companion, Bella, misses him and remains in the family. Skip was generous and deeply kind to strangers as well as family and friends. On many occasions, during appointments at the veterinarian for his best friend, Skip would notice a young family there with their pet, anxiously hoping for a good outcome to their visit. Skip would then quietly approach the receptionist while the family was back with the vet and pay that family’s veterinary bill, asking only for complete anonymity – this was his huge heart in action, helping others and asking nothing in return.

What is most remembered about Skip is the deep, unconditional way he loved his family. He was a father and grandfather whose door was always open and whose answer was almost always yes – especially to his grandchildren. Skip was a confidant, mentor, advisor, teacher, musician, devoted keeper of inside jokes, and an always-willing and enthusiastic co-conspirator in “Adventures with Grandpa – Don’t Tell Mom and Dad”. He was an endless source of stories and laughter and could always be counted on for a Pepsi and whatever candy happened to be in reach – there was always candy within reach. Skip had a way of making each member of his family feel like they were his favorite, because they each truly were. He shared his wisdom and life experiences freely, leaving everyone he knew with vibrant memories and wisdom that will be carried forward through time.

Whether Skip was known as grandpa, dad, brother, uncle, neighbor, friend, “eskeep”, or just Skip, he will be forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unconditional love for his family, friends, and pets, along with his endlessly funny sense of humor and wit – a gift he carried with him to his final days.

Skip is preceded in death by his mother Lily, father Le Roy, sister Jeanne, and wife Bobbi. He is survived by his son, Todd; his daughter, Tonja; his grandchildren Ryan, V, Taylor, and Erika; his brother Erick, sister Angie, and multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of services or flowers, donations can be made in Skip’s honor to the Wounded Warriors Project or to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

He will be profoundly missed as we celebrate the privilege of having shared in his life.