March 16, 1927 - October 22, 2016
Harlen E. Skjefte, age 89, of Richfield. Born March 16, 1927 on a farm in Renville County, Minnesota. Passed away peacefully on October 22, 2016 after a battle with cancer. Preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Alma, and sisters, Arlene Peterson and Alvera Harris. In his early years, Harlen moved to Maynard with his parents and his sisters and graduated from Maynard High School where he excelled in basketball. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II in Guam before returning stateside and marrying the love of his life, Grace Erickson and enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. He was a 70 year member of the American Legion and a life member of the VFW. From his ownership in the lumber and oil business to his leadership in the insurance industry which spanned more than four decades, he was an inspiration to all. He had a passion for bridge, golfing, hunting, fishing and loved catching those bass. Never did a day go by that he failed to touch someone's heart. He loved his family more than anything. Thanks to the wonderful staff at Fairview Southdale who took care of him during his final days. Harlen was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all. Survived by his wife, Grace Skjefte; daughters, Jacqueline Buck (Ramon), and Paula Skjefte (Edward O'Neill); grandchildren, Brianna Smalstig (Chris), Brandon Buck and Kevin O'Neill (Irene), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials preferred to Woodlake Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society.
Funeral Service
Thursday, October 27, 2016
11:00 AM
Woodlake Lutheran Church
7525 Oliver Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Visitation
Thursday, October 27, 2016
10:00 - 11:00 am
Woodlake Lutheran Church
7525 Oliver Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Ft Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN
Grace, Jackie and Paula….
Harlen will be forever missed, loved, and always remembered! What a privilege it has been and continues to be to share our lives with you and your wonderful family!
Love,
Sharon and Stan Dardis and family
I was so sorry to hear of Harlen’s passing – my sincerest sympathies to you Grace and the entire family.
Cindy Derendal
I have such wonderful memories of Harlen and Grace and the wonderful friendship they had with Marj and Perrie Somers and also with Jean Somers in later years. Jackie and Paula you had an awesome Dad! Our thoughts are with you now and we hope all of your special memories will bring you comfort.
Grace and family,
We just learned of Harlan’s passing and are greatly saddened by the news. In our family we were all in agreement that Harlan was by far the best boss Alton ever had. We considered you both to be part of our family, learned many life lessons from his outstanding character, generosity, loving, giving spirit, outlook on life and the importance of family. He never called on us at the insurance agency that there wasn’t sharing stories of the family and the pride he felt. We cherish every memory and try to live our lives up to the standards that he always showed us. We are greatly blessed to have know him. Our love and prayers are with you,
Rudell Isaacs
Debbie Landmark
Annette Thompson
so sorry to hear about Harlen. I loved both Harlen and Grace and felt their support always while I served at Woodlake. Please give my regards to Grace.