Gordon Skjerven

Gordon Skjerven

Gordon Skjerven, 84, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Oakland Park Communities, Thief River Falls, MN surrounded by his loving family.

Gordon R. Skjerven was born October 2, 1925 in Fertile Township, Walsh County, ND near Grafton on the Skjerven family farm. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and attended country school in Fertile Township. Gordon worked on the family farm and also worked for neighbor farmers.

He met Adelle Heddan while working in the potato fields. They were married on June 30, 1948 in Grafton, ND. They lived on the Skjerven family farm for a few years and in 1952 they bought a farm in Viking Township where they continued to reside. To this union six children were born, Terry, Kathleen, Gordon, Corey, Mary Beth, & Randy.

They owned and operated their farm which included small grains, milk cows and beef cattle and they enjoyed life on the farm raising their family. Gordon was very mechanical and was a "jack of all trades." He was able to fix all of his own machinery, or handle the electrical or plumbing on the farm. Gordon also worked at the Viking Elevator. He retired from farming in the early 1990's.

He attended Viking Covenant Church, Viking; served on the Viking Township Board, Viking School Board, and Viking Creamery Board.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Adelle, Thief River Falls; five children, Kathleen (Daniel) Olson, Viking, MN, Gordy (Jane) Skjerven, Mendota Heights, MN, Corey (Julie) Skjerven, Thief River Falls, MN, Mary (Arnold) Weleski, Viking, MN, and Randy (Christine) Skjerven, Grand Forks, ND; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and sister, Harvey (June) Skjerven, Grafton, ND, Arnold (Evelyn) Skjerven, Newfolden, MN, Arlene (Earl) Rachac, Fargo, ND and Dean (Leah) Skjerven, Park River, ND; sister-in-law, Ruby Skjerven, Grafton, ND; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by parents; son, Terry on February 28, 1963; 2 brothers, Ernie and Hilmer.

Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Viking Covenant Church, Viking, MN with Pastor Jim Robberstad officiating. Burial will be at Viking Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service, Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, and for one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

Condolences may be made at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook (5 comments)

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions