Dorothy Combs Sklenicka obituary: Dorothy Combs Sklenicka's Obituary, Topeka

In Memory Of
Dorothy Viola "Vi" Combs Sklenicka
1935 - 2021

Obituary photo of Dorothy Combs Sklenicka, Topeka-KS
Obituary photo of Dorothy Combs Sklenicka, Topeka-KS

In Memory Of
Dorothy Viola "Vi" Combs Sklenicka
1935 - 2021

Dorothy Viola “Vi” Combs Sklenicka, 85 years old, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021 in Topeka, Kansas. She was born the oldest October 1, 1935 in Delia, Kansas. The daughter of Howard and Dorothy (Hiner) Combs. She graduated from Soldier High School in Kansas Class 1953. Moving to Topeka for a Professional career, she met Virgilee Sklenicka on a blind date, then married and had two children, Glenda and Dale.

You might remember seeing Vi fondly waving to friends at the City water department. She was the Administrative Secretary for Water Commissioner’s Dick Pelton and Jack Alexander.

On her retirement from the city, she joined her husband “Lee” at the Steel Fixture Manufacturing Company (Encyclopedia of American Biography 1936), and with her help the manufacturing end turned a well needed profit.

In the evenings Vi assumed the bookkeeping for The Open Window store which began with three ladies,
Vi, Judy, and Hazel going to garage sales during lunch and time off from the Water Department. Their dedication began a Topeka shopping tradition for many years and their friendship lasted a lifetime.

Viola’s last days were enjoying living with others, church attendance, and strolling on the scenic grounds
Of Aldersgate Village.

Vi’s husband preceded her in death on October 14, 2004. Survivors include her daughter Glenda Scheffler: siblings Richard, Charlotte, and Lyle. Grandchildren Andrew and DeAnna.

A dual memorial service in care of St. Johns Lutheran Church for Lee and Vi will be held at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66604 on Friday July 23rd at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Topeka Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to- Alzheimer’s Association 3625 SW 29th ST, suite 102 Topeka Kansas 66614.

Vi’s strength was her invaluable love for others.

To leave a message for Vi's family online, please click the "Share Memories" button above.




Dorothy Viola “Vi” Combs Sklenicka, 85 years old, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021 in Topeka, Kansas. She was born the oldest October 1, 1935 in Delia, Kansas. The daughter of Howard and Dorothy (Hiner) Combs. She graduated from Soldier High School in Kansas Class 1953. Moving to Topeka for a Professional career, she met Virgilee Sklenicka on a blind date, then married and had two children, Glenda and Dale.

You might remember seeing Vi fondly waving to friends at the City water department. She was the Administrative Secretary for Water Commissioner’s Dick Pelton and Jack Alexander.

On her retirement from the city, she joined her husband “Lee” at the Steel Fixture Manufacturing Company (Encyclopedia of American Biography 1936), and with her help the manufacturing end turned a well needed profit.

In the evenings Vi assumed the bookkeeping for The Open Window store which began with three ladies,
Vi, Judy, and Hazel going to garage sales during lunch and time off from the Water Department. Their dedication began a Topeka shopping tradition for many years and their friendship lasted a lifetime.

Viola’s last days were enjoying living with others, church attendance, and strolling on the scenic grounds
Of Aldersgate Village.

Vi’s husband preceded her in death on October 14, 2004. Survivors include her daughter Glenda Scheffler: siblings Richard, Charlotte, and Lyle. Grandchildren Andrew and DeAnna.

A dual memorial service in care of St. Johns Lutheran Church for Lee and Vi will be held at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66604 on Friday July 23rd at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Topeka Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to- Alzheimer’s Association 3625 SW 29th ST, suite 102 Topeka Kansas 66614.

Vi’s strength was her invaluable love for others.

To leave a message for Vi's family online, please click the "Share Memories" button above.




Services & Gatherings

Memorial Service

Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:00am
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
1321 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66604
Directions & Map

Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home (785-354-8558) is assisting the family

Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home (785-354-8558) is assisting the family

Guestbook

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