Richard A. Skalla Jr. (Rick), Age 50, of Minnetonka Beach, MN died unexpectedly in his sleep on August 25, 2017.

Rick is survived by his wife Cammy and sons Jeremy and Matthew; his parents Richard and Barbara Skalla of Omaha, NE; sister Patty (Gene) Gentrup of Liberty, MO; sister Traci (Don) Kennedy of Wichita, KS; and many other beloved relatives and friends.

He was also survived by his father-in-law Bobby Phillips and wife Jo Nell of Carthage, Texas, mother-in-law Betty Loper and husband Robert of Jacksonville, Texas, brother-in-law Cameron Phillips of Houston, Texas, sister-in-law Christy Phillips and husband Terry of Edgewood, Texas, and sister-in-law Amy Loper of Jacksonville, Texas.

Rick was born February 18, 1967 and was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from Millard North High School. Rick attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Rick was passionate about his family, always putting first his wife and sons, whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed a good debate and liked winning one even more. Such a discussion would often end with a hearty laugh, a hug or slap on the back, and raising a glass in a toast. No matter where Rick went, he made sure to put everyone at ease.

Rick worked hard; he had a successful career in food sales, most recently as the vice president for marketing and sales for Finlays Extracts and Ingredients. Rick played even harder, whether actively supporting his sons' athletic and academic activities, taking the boat out on the lake, or cheering on his Nebraska Cornhusker football and Kansas Jayhawks basketball teams. He also was involved in his community, serving as a mayor of Minnetonka Beach from 2015-2016, councilman from 2013-2014, and treasurer from 2011-2012.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 30 at Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Boulevard East, Wayzata, MN. Services will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be Sept. 1 in Calvary Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska. Because Rick likes a good party, please wear colorful attire!

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center: https://web.giving.columbia.edu/giveonline/index.jsp?schoolstyle=56437