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On Friday, May 31, 2024, we lost Ingrid Klara Ostebo Skidmore to a valiant battle with the insidious disease of cancer. Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and friend.
Ingrid was born on April 15, 1953 in Highland Park, IL to Gerhard and Gudrun Ostebo, Norwegian immigrants who raised a very American daughter along with her siblings, Erik, Peter (Cindy), Mike and Karin (David Klaskin) at their family home on Old Trail in Highwood. If the stories told from these days are true, life in the Ostebo household was never, ever boring.
In the summer of 1972, Ingrid met the man of her dreams…poolside…at Sunshine Valley Day Camp. She saw a mystery man across the lawn and said “That’s the man I am going to marry”. That mystery man turned out to be Bob Skidmore and just as she had foretold, she and Bob were married March 17, 1973 and remained together for the past 51 years. They welcomed Cheri, Jen and Julie, daughters that they taught to be independent, creative, kind people.
Family was always most important to Ingrid and in addition to her own family, her siblings, their spouses and many nieces and nephews were always close to her heart. It was a special privilege to be an honorary grandmother to Alexis, Samantha and Thomas Siurek.
One of Ingrid’s passions was public safety and the Fire Protection Community. She worked in Administration at Lake Zurich and Grayslake Fire Departments and most recently as a Board Member of the Lake Villa Fire Protection District. She was also a former member of CERT – South Lake Country Regional Community Response Team.
She cherished the many friendships that she made along the way, from childhood and high school to her Fire Department friends.
Ingrid was an amateur carpenter, consummate DIY’r, expert cook, crafter, seamstress, artist, designer and weather watcher, amongst so many lovely attributes and talents.
We thank all the doctors and nurses that helped us navigate thru this most unwanted journey. Their compassion, guidance, expertise and love will always be with us.
Her family and friends will miss her for the rest of their lives, but want you to know that hers was a life well lived and that we are all the better for knowing her.
Zappos, Amazon, JoAnn’s, Home Depot, Target, will also surely be impacted.
A Celebration of Life will be planned at Kelley and Spaulding in Highland Park, details to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.
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Nick Azzone (Azzone)
A wonderful classmate of my 1971,Ingrid always had a smile at all times.So sad to hear her passing 😢
Sorry for your Loss Bob and to your family.
Wendy Eichenbaum (Aling)
Ingrid and I were not friends, in high school. We became friends in the last 10 years.. She was the kindest, sweetest person as everyone has said. If you went to her for advice, she would tell you the truth, but had a way of doing it so you wouldn't be upset. During COVID, she and and Nancy would get together and sit in my backyard, and spend a lot of time talking. Last night I looked at all the texts we had between us, I so glad I have those. I knew she wasn't doing well because she didn't answer my text from a few weeks ago. She had decided to stop treatment, because it wasn't working. When Nancy passed away, she was the person, who made sure I was ok, and somehow knew exactly how I felt, she was my go to person. I could go on, and on. The world is going to be a little darker without her. I hope she and Nancy are somewhere partying. Rest in peace, sweet Ingrid.
Harvey Wolf
Ingrid was one of the first 'new kids' that I met in elementary school. She was always so kind. The last time I saw her was at one of the Northwood reunions. We had a heartfelt talk. Everything that everyone has said about her in their tributes to this lovely human being are so true. She was beyond lovely. My heart goes out to her family and all of the friends who cherished her. Harvey Wolf
Karen Meldman (Finerman)
I knew Ingrid at Wayne Thomas; we played after school at her house that looked like no other, I believe built by her Father. Of late, we worked on the reunion committee and always loved seeing her; she always brought that same bright smile, positive demeanor, thoughtful suggestions and amazing hair.. Two years ago she was at my house and admired my garden. I was honored to know her. May her memory be for an everlasting blessing.
Nate Lerner
We shared the Priscilla and Old Trail corner, with a vacant lot in between, from the time I was 1 1/2. Her father and mine had spent many times helping each other in their professionaal eneadvours, as we kid's would go throught the tough life of Wayne Thomas and Northwood.
Truly the first friend that I have memory of. Rest in Peace.
Shari Brenner
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Ingrid. I always remember her beautiful smile and blue eyes. I met her when she was in my Freshman health class. She was very friendly and enthusiastic. She had great school spirit.
Deborah Caringella (Schneider)
When I think of Ingrid, I think of her smile: it lit up her face and the mood of anyone who came into contact with it. I used to ride my bike to her house on Old Trail. Her family was always welcoming and she was one of the nicest, most genuine, upbeat and warm people I've known. I'm so sorry for the loss of her bright spirit and send my condolences to her family and friends.
Nancy Cahn (Miller)
This news is so sad. Ingrid was truly the nicest, kindest person to everyone. Condolences to her family on this huge loss. May her memory ever be a blessing.
Gayle Goldblatt
So sad to read, I think that hands down, no debate, Ingrid Ostebo was the nicest person in our class. A lovely, genuine human being. We had a very real conversation about our teenage challenges at the 40th reunion. A remarkable and special person. A light extinguished here on earth.
Judy Mickelson
So Sorry to hear of the passing of Ingrid. Like everyone else, I remember her wonderful smile and her blue eyes smiling as well. Sending positive thoughts to her family and friends.