Adelle Skjerven, 84, died on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at the Viking Covenant Church in Viking, MN with Pastor Jim Robberstad officiating.  Burial will be at the Viking Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation will also be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Sunday at the church.

Adelle Junette Heddan was born on June 28, 1927 in rural Stephen, MN on the family farm.  She was the daughter of Anton and Gurine (Faaland) Heddan.  She attended school at Donnelly Township Country School.  Following the death of her parents, when Adelle was eight years old, she was raised by her oldest sister, Sophie.

Adelle and her good friend, Evelyn Sundby worked as telephone operators in Grafton, ND and that fall  took a part time jobs picking potatoes for the Skjerven Farm near Grafton, ND, where they also picked up a couple of Skjerven boys.    Adelle was united in marriage to Gordon Skjerven on June 30, 1948 in Grafton, ND at the Federated Church.  The couple lived on the Skjerven family farm for a few years and in 1952 they bought a farm in Viking Township where they continued to reside.  To this union six children were born, Terry, Kathleen, Gordon, Corey, Mary Beth and Randy.

Adelle was baptized as an adult at the Viking Covenant Church in Viking, MN.  She attended and was active in various groups within the Viking Covenant Church.

They owned and operated their farm which included small grains, milk cows and beef cattle and they enjoyed life on the farm raising their family.  Adelle was excellent at cooking and baking, especially her homemade buns, caramel rolls and wonderful potato salad; and she showed her love to her family and friends by feeding them.  Her coffee pot was always on.  She also enjoyed reading, gardening, writing poetry, and was the correspondent for the Viking News.  After her children were grown, Adelle enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Norway.  Adelle especially enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons with her family at the farm; that tradition continued even after she and Gordon entered the nursing home in 2003.

Following the death of their son, Terry in 1963, Adelle worked at various jobs including Bredeson Office Supply and later Oakland Park Nursing Home, in their housekeeping and laundry departments.  She loved to clean.

She is survived by five children, Kathleen (Daniel) Olson of Viking, MN, Gordy (Jane) Skjerven of Mendota Heights, MN, Corey (Julie) Skjerven of Thief River Falls, MN, Mary (Arnold) Weleski of Viking, MN, and Randy (Christine) Skjerven of Grand Forks, ND; 16 grandchildren, Tricia (Darin) Lee, Timothy (Alisha) Olson, Terry (Stacy) Olson, Benjamin Skjerven, Karen (Joe) Wing, Courtney (Joni) Skjerven, Casey (Anna) Skjerven, Justin (Michelle) Skjerven, Melissa (Chris) Kolle, Anthony (Melissa) Weleski, Bethany Weleski, Megan Weleski, Kelsey Weleski, Nicholas Skjerven, Christopher Skjerven and Natalie Skjerven; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Alma Mellon of Oregon; special friend, Evelyn Skjerven of Newfolden, MN; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon on February 28, 2010; one son, Terry; two siblings in infancy, Ruth and Alvin; sisters, Sophie Sundby, Anna Carlson, Gladys Sundby and Lillian Sundby; and her parents.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
ACCOMPANIST: Arlene Hanson
SPECIAL MUSIC:  Daniel Olson & Tricia Lee
SELECTIONS:  This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me , Precious Memories
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS:  Thanks To God For My Redeemer & In The Garden
PALLBEARERS:   Adelles Grandsons
HONORARY PALLBEARERS:  Adelles Granddaughters