The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced the death of The Most Rev. Richard J. Sklba, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Milwaukee, stating he "died peacefully in his sleep overnight." Bishop Sklba was ordained in 1959 and became an auxiliary bishop at 44. He retired in 2010 but continued serving the archdiocese until his death at 89, as reported by WISN.
Reflecting on Sklba's decades of service, Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki said, "He always had a love for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and generously spent his life in service." Listecki further described Sklba as "a gentleman, a scholar and always a true Christian," according to a news release obtained by FOX6. The bishop was born in Racine, Wisconsin, and was known for being a key religious leader who worked to build strong connections with different faith communities.
Sklba's contributions to biblical scholarship and ecumenism were notable, but his legacy is complex. Like many church leaders of his era, his reputation is affected by the clergy sex abuse scandal. This aspect of his time in the church was briefly mentioned by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. After his retirement, Sklba continued to serve, filling in at parishes on weekends. Archbishop Listecki remembered him as a selfless servant who "combined an extraordinary pastoral approach with the keen sense of a teacher."
