Mindy Lynn Skindingsrude

Mindy Lynn Skindingsrude, 59, passed away on August 1, 2026 at her home in Eagle River. She was born on November 22, 1966, to Robert and Janith (Holtz) Bateman. The oldest of four sisters, Mindy grew up in St. Charles, Illinois. Her most beloved childhood memories were family times at her grandparents’ cottage at Gilmore Lake in Wisconsin — fishing, canoeing, and catching frogs.

When she was 11, the family moved to Rhinelander, where Mindy graduated from high school in 1984.

Mindy married Jim Gittins in 1990, bringing his daughter, Sara, into her life, whom she treasured as her own daughter. To be closer to Jim’s family, the couple moved to Buffalo, N.Y. where they had their two sons, Ryan and Matthew. They moved back to Rhinelander in 1996 to raise their children, and even after Mindy and Jim’s marriage ended, they continued to work together as dedicated coparents.

While waitressing at the Rusty Nail in Rhinelander, Mindy met Kirk Skindingsrude, and they hit it off. Kirk loved Mindy and embraced her family with open arms.

While still raising her children, Mindy went back to school to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. In 2002 she earned a Bachelor's degree from Silver Lake College in Early Childhood Education. She taught at Nativity Catholic School for 16 years, teaching pre-K, third, and fourth grades. Mindy was a fun and enthusiastic teacher. She and her students loved hatching baby chicks in the classroom each school year. Mindy cared deeply about her students and stayed in touch with many of them long after they graduated from her class.

In 2012, Mindy and Kirk married. They lived together happily in Eagle River with their very spoiled dogs.

After teaching, Mindy returned to waitressing, where she formed close bonds with coworkers and regulars. She took pride in making her customers smile and improving their days.

Mindy was a lifelong, avid reader. In later years, she became skilled at crocheting, making many beautiful gifts for her family and friends. Mindy was always happiest when spending time with her loved ones.

Mindy was renowned for her timekeeping and organization when it came to those she loved. As a child she would keep time on her father’s pocket watch while he was away on fishing trips, and as an adult she never failed to wish everyone she could a happy birthday, anniversary, or giving-birth-day. She was warm, heartfelt, and incredibly caring. She would do anything for those she loved.

Mindy outlived her mother, Janith. She is survived by her husband, Kirk; children, Sara Spoehr (Ben), Ryan Gittins (Hannah Moseson), Matthew Gittins (Schye Skinner); grandson, Bryce Spoehr; father, Robert; her sisters, Melissa Sisel, Mary Vahlsing (Todd), and Michele Baumgartner (David); and many other relatives and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the CAVOC Lodge in Rhinelander on Sunday September 6, please arrive anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Speakers and memory sharing will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by time for socializing. Everyone is welcome to bring a story or memory to share, or simply listen. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Rhinelander District Library in Mindy’s name would be greatly appreciated.

You may leave your private condolences for the Skindingsrude family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the family.