Gary Skjefte Obituary
Gary Sever Skjefte was born October 30, 1944 in Oakes, ND to Barb (Nolting) and Cyril Skjefte. He graduated from Oakes High School in 1962. He Married the love of his life Jean E. Hill on May 30, 1962. Gary entered the service September of 1962, served in the Navy for 4 years and then returned back to Oakes to farm with his dad. He later started with the Bureau of Reclamation and worked for 6 years before returning to farming. He farmed until he was 62 years of age and retired due to health issues.
Gary was set in his own ways and had his opinions about things. He enjoyed a friendly debate In his early years, he enjoyed riding motorcycle, snowmobiling, playing cards, bowling, and hunting, specifically prairie dog hunting with his sons, brother, cousins and grandsons. He loved to read all types of books and learned a lot from them. His favorite author was Louis L'Amour. He had thousands of books and often reread them. Gary enjoyed spending time with his family, close friends and especially loved his grandchildren. He loved taking them on their yearly vacation "trips". I'm sure they could tell everyone a few stories. He also was very proud of teaching most of the grandchildren to drive.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jean and four children, Scott (Lisa) Skjefte, Oakes, ND, Gwen (Chuck) Kessler, West Fargo, ND, Jackie Skjefte-Thorpe, Fargo, ND, Anthony (Regan) Skjefte, Aberdeen, SD; sister, Marvel (Dean) Fiala, Oakes, ND and brother, Dale (Nancy) Skjefte Oakes, ND. He has 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Barb Skjefte; sister, Mary Andrus and brother, Roger Skjefte; mother and father-in-law, Ruth and Alvin Hill and son-in-law Ryan Thorpe.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Oakes Church of the Nazarene. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Oakes View Cemetery, Veteran's Section near Oakes. Gary's service will be live streamed.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Gary Skjefte, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Sandy and Jerry Sjolin
February 16, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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603 Hickory Ave., Oakes, ND 58474
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