Vendla T. Skutevik

Vendla Toavi Skutevik, age 88 of Cloquet, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. She was born on October 18, 1936, to Viano and Laura (Leskinen) Virta in Duluth, Minnesota. Vendla was raised on a dairy farm in Brookston Minnesota. During her younger years she enjoyed music, dancing, and playing the violin. She graduated from Brookston High School in 1954. Following graduation, Vendla moved to the cities where she attended school for becoming an airline stewardess. Vendla then relocated back Brookston where she worked for Northwest Paper/Potlatch. While she was working at the mill, she met Jim Skutevik. They were united in marriage on June 21, 1957, in Brookston. Together they made their home in Cloquet and were blessed with five children; Tamari, Terrance, Theresa, Jacqueline, and Jocelyn. Vendla stayed home to raise her children. She was member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness for over 68 years and was baptized in 1957. Vendla was very involved in the Kingdom Hall which included attending services and Tuesday night Bible study. She enjoyed gardening, camping, going to shows in Las Vegas with Jim, fishing, and harvesting wild rice. Vendla especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor, and was a very understanding, caring, and loving person. Vendla will be deeply missed.

Vendla is survived by her children, Tammi (Randy) Martindale of Cloquet, Terry (Anita) Skutevik of Cloquet, and Josie (Mike) Lammi of Wrenshall, Minnesota; grandchildren, Melanie (Eric) Mobley, Derick Martindale, Javan (Kristine) Lammi, Justin (Amanda) Skutevik, Vanessa (Thor) Eggem, Alex Sheff, Alyssa (Cody) Anderson, Kaylie Lammi, and Jade Lammi; ten great grandchildren; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; and her daughters, Tessie Sheff and Jackie Skutevik.

A visitation for Vendla will be at 10 am on Saturday, October 4, 2025, until her memorial service at 11 am at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. A luncheon will follow the service in the Fellowship Room. Private family inurnment will be in the New Calvary Cemetery in Cloquet.