Dean E. Skjerven

Dean E. Skjerven, age 87 of Park River, ND passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Park River Good Samaritan Center. He had been a resident there since May 22, 2023.

As per Dean’s wishes, he donated his body to science.

Dean was born June 21, 1936 on a hot summer day on the family farm in Fertile Township, rural Grafton, to Edward and Hildur (Petterson) Skjerven.  Dean was baptized and confirmed at South Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Grafton.  He attended grades 1-8 at Fertile #28 School.  He attended high school in Crookston, Minnesota at the Northwest School of Agriculture graduating in 1954.  He returned home to begin working on the family farm and for neighbors.  After moving to Hoople in 1971 and working with Earl Marifjeren for 9 years, he and Leah started North Star Carpentry and continued with that until health issues forced him to retire – much to his disliking! He loved carpenter work and the friendships he had with his employees and customers.

He met his soulmate and best friend, Leah Lindenberg of Hoople and they were married August 7, 1955 at the Hoople Methodist Church.  He enjoyed traveling, camping, snowcatting and most of all being with his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren, who thought Grandpa could do or fix anything.

He is survived by his wife Leah of 68 ½ years, children: Mark (Denise), Laurel (Scott Close), Allen (Sarah) and Jay (Charlene), grandchildren:  Allie (Geoff Boyd), Jacob, Brittany (Josh) Thompson, Taylor (Justin) Quigley, Erica (Marshall) and Brett; great grandchildren: Joseph, Noah, Willa, Letha, Ursa, Delilah, Kayleen, Gavin, and Elizah; brother Arnold (Evelyn) and sister Arlene Rachac and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended families.   Dean was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Helmer, Ernest, Harvey, Gordon, and special friend Donald Hettervig and in laws Edward and Annabelle Lindenberg.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 1:00 -4:00 p.m. with a gathering at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (14074 Co Rd. 11), rural Hoople, ND.