Norman T. Skottegard

NORMAN THORVALD SKOTTEGARD December 6, 1933 - December 13, 2014 Norman Thorval Skottegard, age 81, of Park Rapids, formerly of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Area Hospital in Park Rapids with his wife at his side on Saturday morning, Dec. 13, 2014. Norman was born on December 6, 1933 in Grand Rapids, MN to Milton and Ethel Skottegard. As a young boy, he moved to Hopkins, MN where he remained until joining the Navy in 1951. Norm proudly served on the USS Howard W. Gilmore. While in the service, he met and fell in love with his main squeeze, Phyllis Ann Traxler. They married on April 9, 1955 and made their home in Key West, Florida. Upon being honorably discharged, the couple returned to Hopkins where Norman returned to the family baking business. The couple moved to Rochester, MN. in 1964 where they raised three daughters: Cheryl (David) Robatzen, Cindy (Rod) Dumke, and Wendy (Kyle) Burke. Norm was well known for his baking expertise and ended his career as a consultant for Rich's Bakery Products. Norm was active in his faith and served on many boards at Rochester Central Lutheran School and Grace Lutheran Church. They became members of St Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN when they relocated to the area in 1989. Norm and Phyllis made their home on Boulder Lake where they spent hours fishing for the elusive "old thunder". Norman will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis; his daughters and sons in law; his grandchildren and loves of his life Eric, Luke RaeAnn, Nate, Nic, and Crosby; his brother Rodney; and several nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Bonnie Ziegler and brother in law, Larry Ziegler. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 19, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend James Neubauer and Reverend Timothy Heinecke officiating. Sarah Kaufenburg will be the Organist. The Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 will provide the Military Honors. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Casket bearers will be Eric Thor Dumke, Luke Rodney Dumke, RaeAnn Lee Dumke, Nathaniel David Burke, Nicolas James Burke, and Walker Thomas Payne. A luncheon will be hosted by the church following the service. To leave online condolences or view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.