Rodger Skibenes

Rodger Skibenes, (85), of Pohatcong, NJ (formerly Harmony Twp, NJ, Belfast, NY and Stirling, NJ) passed away on August 28, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by family after a brief struggle with cancer.

Rodger was born to Oscar and Kora (ne'e Akerson) Skibenes on July 8, 1938, in Crookston, Minnesota.  He was a broadcast journalist in radio and is best known for delivering the morning news for many years on WOR 710 AM in New York City.  He briefly also presented the news for WABC network radio.  He was also a US service veteran.

Rodger is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol, 3 children (Jeff Skibenes, Kathleen Skibenes, & Heidi Buss) 5 grandchildren (Ryan, John, Tyler, Lilly and Leah) and 5 great grandchildren (John Jr., Cadence, Owen, Maggie and Scarlet).  He is predeceased by his brother Roderick Skibenes of Forest Grove Oregon and sister Doris Isaksen of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Rodger had a distinct baritone voice that was well recognized from the 1970's through the mid 1990's across the New York tri-state area for delivering the news on the popular morning radio show "Rambling with Gambling".

Rodger was first and foremost a believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and he was an Elder for Fellowship Church in Lopatcong, NJ.  He touched many lives through the Christian faith.  Rodger was an avid reader, fisherman, and he also spent many enjoyable hours in the saddle on his favorite horse, "Irish".  Rodger had a notable sense of humor and when asked how he was doing his typical response was "Finer than frog hair".

Funeral arrangements are through the Finegan Funeral Home, Phillipsburg, NJ.  Condolences may be expressed at fineganfh.com.  Memorial donations can be made to either Care Net Pregnancy Resources of Warren County New Jersey or Samaritans Purse.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is to be held at Fellowship Church, 300 Cromwell Street, Phillipsburg, NJ, at 11 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023.