Ferdinand Skaurud

Ferdinand "Ferdie" Nyles Skaurud, age 93, of Detroit Lakes, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at Ecumen-Lamplighter Assisted Living. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Jillene Gallatin officiating, Kim Schnitzer Soloist, Anne Jorgenson, Organist. A visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, November 20, at David Donehower Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7:30 pm, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Saturday. Ferdie was born on November 4, 1922, to Francis and Clara (Moen) Skaurud in Twin Valley, Minnesota. He attended country school in Twin Valley and graduated from Crookston Agricultural College in 1939. When he was old enough to drive he began his truck driving career with his father. On June 18, 1944 he was united in marriage to Orpha Syverson, the love of his life. Together they started Skaurud Transfer in Twin Valley, hauling freight and cattle. In 1958 they moved to Moorhead where Ferdie worked for Twin City Freight, Commercial Freight, and the Fargo Tire Co. In 1970 he left trucking for a time, due to a major accident, and the couple bought Skaurud Gift Shop in Ada, MN; where they made their home until 1988. After moving to Detroit Lakes, he returned to trucking with STS Trucking and Sherbrooke Asphalt. After his retirement, he went to work for Norseman Motors, driving cars. Driving was his life and passion. While driving he saw most of the United States and loved every mile of it; so much so that he and Orpha vacationed in their motorhome. After Orpha's passing in May 2004, Ferdie moved into Silver Birch Apartments where he had many friends. He loved going to dances with Lorna, a good friend, and listening to music. In June of 2015, he moved into Lamplighter Assisted Living where he lived until his death. He was ever so thankful for the staff and friends he met there. Ferdie especially enjoyed his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Carol (Jack) Wiedewitsch of Detroit Lakes; a son, Orin (Barbara) Skaurud of Fargo; brothers, Clayton (Phyllis) Skaurud of Twin Valley, and Donald (Mona) Skaurud of Twin Valley; six grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Orpha; his parents, Francis and Clara; and several brothers' in-law and sisters'-in-law.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, November 20, 2015
Service
Saturday, November 21, 2015

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