Russell Skundberg

Russell Skundberg, age 95, resident of Ortonville, died on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital in Ortonville, MN.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 10:30 AM at the Fairway View Community Orpheum. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Minister Bev McNeill will officiate, and a private family burial will be held later in the spring.

Russell Ellsworth Skundberg was born August 8, 1923, in Foster Township of Big Stone County to Julius and Cora (Fossen) Skundberg.  He was the oldest of four children.  Russell attended country school at Sunnyside and graduated from Ortonville High School. While in school, he was very active in 4-H and FFA.  After graduation, Russell helped on his parents’ farm and eventually purchased the farm homestead in 1968. In 1985, the Skundberg farm was named a Minnesota Century Farm.

On March 16, 1968, Russell married Theda (Dorenbusch) Boots.  Along with this marriage came an instant family; Theda had eight children from her previous marriage.  Russ and Theda celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2018 at Fairway View.

Russell was a life-long member of Holden Lutheran Church.  He served on the church board as secretary for many years and on the cemetery board.  He also served on the Big Stone County Fair Board for many years.

Russell retired from farming in 1975, and he and Theda started going to Texas in the winter.  They were able to be winter Texans for over 30 years.  During Russell’s retirement years, he took great joy in raising a large garden.  He was always willing to share his abundant garden produce with family and friends.  He also loved a good auction.

In 2012, they purchased a home in Ortonville and lived there until moving into Fairway View Independent Living in 2015.  In 2017, Russell moved into Northridge and then Fairway View Nursing Home when it was completed.  Theda joined him four months later.

Russell is survived by his wife, Theda; seven step-children: John (Betty) Boots, Frank (Pam) Boots, Margaret (Cliff) Steinlicht, Anita Cox, Barb (Paul) Khoury, Deb (Gary) Wentland and Gary (Christi) Boots; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters: Dorothy Jorgenson and LuJean Gimmestad; brother, Dale Skundberg; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a step-son, Donald Boots.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stacy and staff at Ortonville Area Health Services for the kindness and loving care given to Russell.  We would also like to thank the staff and residents of Fairway View for the great care he received.  You are a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Fairway View Activity Department.