Dennis Dale Skjordal

Dennis Dale Skjordal born May 18, 1942, in Hallock, MN, passed on December 25, 2024 in his home in Grafton, ND, surrounded by his loved ones.

Dennis Skjordal had a lot to be proud of, an Army Veteran that served from 1960 to 1963 as a mechanic on the First Drone Aircraft before he was honorably discharged. After the Army he drove semi for Eversons, worked for Hoople Farmers Grain, was a member of the Hoople Fire Department and EMS, was a proud Hoople Police Officer, later worked at the Hoople Lumber Yard before retiring from Wal-Mart. He spent 30 years as Santa for his growing family and any other kids that were lucky enough to be in his presence. He was a proud collector of old coins from various countries and hundreds of country and rock and roll records and cassettes. But what he was most proud of was his family that he created alongside his wife of nearly 64 years, Clara (Thompson) Skjordal. The couple married on December 31, 1960 in Grafton. Together they volunteered, were Cub Scout leaders, had 5 amazing kids (his words) and 38 grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and Papa.

In 2023 Dennis was a part of the Veteran’s Honor Flight, where he visited Washington D.C. and had 3 days filled with some of his best memories visiting memorials alongside countless other veterans.

To know Dennis, was to know an old friend from the very first minute. He welcomed everyone and anyone into his life and remembered their name and story long after those brief moments together. Some of his and his family’s fondest memories together include sharing stories, pranking each other, delivering Meals on Wheels alongside their Papa, and messing up his ever-so-perfect hair.

Dennis’s memory will remain in the hearts of family, friends, and all those who were honored to have the privilege of knowing him. His legacy, and stories, will live on for generations to come, inspiring those around him with his kindheartedness, generosity, and unforgettable spirit.

Dennis Dale Skjordal was preceded in death by his parents Nora (Hanson) and Norman Skjordal, his sister Caroline (Darwin) Brecto, and his sister Joann (Don) Gruetzmacher. He is survived in death by his brother Wallace Skjordal, his wife Clara (Thompson) Skjordal, and his 5 children Doug Skjordal, Jeff Skjordal, Todd Skjordal, Randy Skjordal, and Cindy (Skjordal) Mund, alongside his 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.  Inurment will be at the Grafton City Cemetery at a later date.