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Donald G. Skogen, 71

Nov 4, 2013

Donald G. Skogen

Rake, Iowa Donald Gene Skogen, age 71, of Rake, Iowa, passed away on Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. He had a long battle with MS and then got a blood infection, which caused his kidneys to shut down. He was lucky to have all of his immediate family with him sometime during the four days he spent at the hospital.

A celebration of his life was held Oct. 19, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa. The Rev. Terry Mahnke officiated. Burial followed at West Cemetery, in Rake.

Don was born on July 9, 1942, at his parents’ home in rural Rake to Nordahl and Inez (Varland)?Skogen. He was a life long member of Zion Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He attended and graduated from Rake High School in 1960. On Aug. 4, 1962, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Askeland. They were blessed to spend 51 years together and from this union they were blessed with three girls, Tammy, Nancy and Julie.

For most of Don’s adult life he was a farmer. He was even a salesman for Funk’s G seed for many years. Later during his farming career MS took away the ability for Don to use his legs but he was still very active in what was going on in and around the field. He would call himself the manager of the farm and in the end he enjoyed hauling the meals to the field.

Don was diagnosed with MS in 2005. He had already been accustomed to being in his wheelchair years prior, but now he knew why. He never let it bother him and had a smile on his face. People would ask him how he was and his response was, “There’s room for improvement.”

Don enjoyed his sports teams and talking to many about statistics, scores and placing a casual bet for $5 or pizza. Many bets were never paid back. He just loved the phone calls he could give after the game and even the ones he received.

He also had a passion to be with his family. Having three daughters meant that the boys would come later. He loved giving his son-in-laws “5 minute jobs”. Family gatherings were many and the last one was spent in Rochester with all of his family around him. What a legacy he has left for all of us.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn; three daughters, Tammy (Jerry) Zabel, of Blue Earth, Nancy (Todd) Hanevik, of Blue Earth, and Julie (Tim) Weaver, of Buffalo Center, Iowa; six grandchildren, Jamie (Ben) Reverts, Tony Boehm, Brandon (Kristen) Hanevik, Brady Hanevik, Tanner Weaver, and Colin Weaver; four great-grandchildren, Peyton and Kyler Reverts, and Ethan and Dylan Hanevik; sister, Carol Thompson; brother, Merle (Junice) Skogen; and many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norman; and an infant brother and sister.