Reed Ervin Skeem, 80, was reunited with the love of his life on March 23, 2026. He was born on June 5, 1945, to Peter and Fontella Skeem as the youngest of five children in Oasis, Utah. He loved growing up on a farm in rural Utah and was a believer in hard work. He nurtured an ability to work hard in all his children. He loved animals and raised many different types over the years but always had chickens.
Reed had a great love for the outdoors and especially fishing. He always seemed to know where the fish were biting or what type of bait/fly/lure would make them bite even if he had to invent a new fly. He was also well known for his ability to grow tomatoes and melons and enjoyed sharing the bounty from his garden. Many were blessed by his ability to craft leather wallets.
He kept busy in retirement by teaching flintknapping at the Senior Center and handcrafting his own knives. He also loved to give tours at the Donner-Reed Museum and “accidentally” locking tour participants in the jail. Reed was a proud pioneer descendant and loved to share stories about those that came before him.
If you spent any time with Reed, you knew that he had a deep love for his wife of 50 years, Julie Skeem. They were married on July 6, 1965, and later that marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
Reed worked at Tooele Army Depot for the bulk of his career and was always eager to learn and develop new skills. Growing up his children were sure he could fix anything and have all been blessed by the knowledge he shared. He was always willing to see if he could help and offer advice.
Reed is preceded in death by his wife, Julie, daughter Teresa Sandberg and son Michael Skeem. Survived by his children: Russell (Cheree), Travis, Jennifer (Josh), Amanda (Justin); and son and daughters-in-law Kendall and Annette Sandberg and Derri Skeem; 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he raised his family with the knowledge that families are forever. We are sure that his reunion with family on the other side was sweet.
His family is incredibly grateful for all the love shown to him and assistance given to him, especially as he faced health challenges this past year.
Viewing services will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 81 Church Street, Grantsville, UT. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 2 at 12:00pm at the same meetinghouse with a viewing prior from 10:30-11:30 am. Burial in the Grantsville City Cemetery.
11 Responses
I was surprised to hear that he’d passed because I didn’t really want him to pass. He always greeted me with a smile and some kind of wit and humor.
Hey Trav… I am so sorry to read of your dad’s passing. God bless you all. Hugs
I have many fond memories of all of the Skeem family. They are wonderful people. Reed was one of those people that made everyone feel like an old friend. Though I feel sad at his passing, I can only imagine the sweet reunion he is having with those that passed before. I am happy for him.
My love and prayers go to his family.
So sorry to hear that Reed has passed!! He was another strong person coming from the Oasis area! He had an awesome mom and dad and learned how to work. Condolences to his family!
I never had a brother. Reed and I were cousins and playmates when we grew up and attended school. We fished and talked together frequently. This continued into later life. I’m saddened by his death.
I think Reed would have made a joke about being buried on April Fools. He loved to kid around.
Reed and I were cousins and playmates when we grew up and attended school. We fished and talked together frequently. This continued into later life. I’m saddened by his death.
I think Reed would have made a joke about being buried on April Fools. He loved to kid around.
Reed and I were cousins and playmates in Oasis, Utah. We were in the same grade. After graduation, we took different paths. We got close again after retirement.
I think Reed would have made a joke about being buried on April Fools. He loved to kid around.
When I saw Reed at Hazel’s funeral, I told him he was a pest when he was young. When Aunt Fawn said we had to tend him, he would wreck our play house. He got a kick out of that. Reed was eight years younger than me.
I think there’s only me, Cordell, Delene and Lee still living out of the twelve cousins.
I had the opportunity to meet Reed for the first time at the Grantsville Senior Citizen Center, learning how to do Flint Knapping Native American Knifes. Truly a wonderful experience learning the Knapping skill and knowledge that Reed shared with so many wonderful citizens in Grantsville.
Loved the stories that Reed shared with me; having worked with my mother and dad at Tooele Army Dept. Or, at the time it was called TOD (Tooele Ordinance Dept). You could tell from his stories, that Reed loved life! He put his boots on and went to work daily with gratitude for each day as a “gift”. His love for his family was evident in many of Reed’s stories.
To the Best of the Best, job well done my friend.
Regards,
Ron Diehl
We just heard of Reed passing. He was/is truly one of the greatest – we were a young family when we moved in next door. He and Julie took us under their wing and made us feel like family. We are so blessed to have a lifelong friend with the Skeem family. Reed taught us so much about love and life and how to smile through it. Thank you Reed for your kindness and friendship. Russ, Travis, Jen and Mandy we love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you. ❤️
Reed,
Just knowing you made me a better man,you are a friend and teacher. I still remember you telling me you better hold on to that horse kid or I’ll have to load my shotgun with a buiskit just to keep you alive before you hit the ground. I will miss you Old friend! For now I say cheers you will always have a place in my heart.please give Julie a hug for me.