OWATONNA — Nick and Sarah Skalicky took numerous child safety measures to protect their 2- year-old from the dangers outdoors.

But Sunday, young Mason Skalicky found a way around them all and into the driveway just as his mother was moving the car. Sarah said she had no idea that Mason had gotten past the locked gate and was behind her Ford Explorer as she went to pull out of the garage, into the driveway.

Police were called to the 900 block of Elm Avenue around 10 a.m. when Mason was struck by the car.

Officers and Steele County Sheriff’s Deputies performed first aid at the scene. Mason was transported to the Owatonna Hospital by ambulance but later died from his injuries. Mason would have turned 3 on April 19.

The Owatonna Police Department and Steele County Attorney’s Office ruled the death accidental.

Mason and his 7-month-old twin sisters were going with their mother Sarah to see their father Nick who was working.
Mason was described by family as a “very smart little guy,” and mature for his age. Mason didn’t like the word “stupid,” considering it a bad word and something you don’t call people. On Friday, Mason put his grandfather on a time-out just for using it.

“You’d think a 2 1/2-year-old couldn’t do what he could,” said Mason’s grandmother, Sharon (Sorenson) Skalicky. “He was just a joy all the way around. His big smile and his big blue smiling eyes could make anybody smile. He was very smart.”

Sharon and her husband John said the family is coping, with both Sarah and Nick going through the emotions of the tragedy.

“This has got to be the worst thing for (Sarah) to have to go through,” Sharon Skalicky said. “Nick is very emotional and has a lot of different feelings. He is a very strong boy. If he can show his emotions than that is good.”

Funeral services for the child will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Associated Church. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. today, at Michaelson Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church.

A benefit has been organized for the Skalicky family in Mason’s honor. A three-man-pool tournament, raffles and silent auction will be held Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. at Weber’s Bar in Owatonna. Items for the auction, raffles or donations can be made by contacting Dwight Walters at 413-3307 or Tim Ulrich at 213-9013. Items may also be dropped off at Weber’s Bar.

If you would like to see a picture of the little guy, here is a link:
http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=32309

This has got to be the roughest thing anyone can go through. Prayers are with you.

So sorry for your loss, just want to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you all as well.

So very sorry to hear about this tragic loss.
Our family has yours in our daily prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you