Donald Skjonsby

Don C. Skjonsby passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at the Rosewood On Broadway in Fargo.

He was born in Kelso, Washington, on August 26, 1924, to Clarence and Jewel Skjonsby and was raised in Fargo, North Dakota. In 1942 he graduated from Fargo Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II on the USS Sanders in the Pacific Fleet and was honorably discharged in March of 1946 as an Electrician's Mate, Second Class. Don married Marjorie Ann Barnes on March 20,1946, they were married for sixteen years and had five children. He graduated from North Dakota State University (NDSU) in 1952 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a professor at NDSU in the Engineering and Physics Departments in 1957 and 1958. Don purchased and operated the New York Hairdressing Academy in Fargo in the 1950's and was also an investor in other business entities. He married Jan Olson in 1963. In 1965 he purchased Don's Bar, Hotel and Restaurant in West Fargo and operated it until his retirement. He and his second wife retired and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984. His second wife passed away in 2001. In 2003 Don started dating Mili Sherman, a long time friend, and they became engaged in 2005. Don and Mili resided in Las Vegas, Nevada in the winter and Harwood, North Dakota in the summer.

Don is survived by his beloved companion, Mili; his children, Jack Skjonsby, Vail, Colorado; Richard Skjonsby, Bismarck, North Dakota; Robert Skjonsby, Austin, Texas; Susan (Tom) Stephens, Grand Ledge, Michigan; and Peggy (Dave) Severns, Springport, Michigan; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, Minnesota, on Friday, April 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota, on Saturday, April 25, at 2:00 pm. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, North Dakota, on Monday, April 27, at 1:00 pm.