Donald Skjerping, 81, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 29, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial will be at Bethany Church Cemetery in Smiley Township, Pennington Co., MN. Military honors provided by Thief River Falls American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793.

Visitation will be 8:30 AM-10:30 AM prior to the service, Saturday.

Donald Vincent Skjerping was born July 19, 1926 in Smiley Township, Pennington County, MN, the son of Alfred and Alvilda (Stenseth) Skjerping. He was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church and confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Holt, MN. He attended Hammer School in Smiley Township, Sunnyside School and Pioneer Schools.

Donald entered into service with the United States Army, March 3, 1945 and served until his honorable discharge, December 3, 1946. His service included Okinawa in the South Pacific. Following military service, Donald returned to the family farm near Holt, MN and farmed with his parents and brother, Ted. When his parents passed away, Donald and Ted took over the family farm and continued to farm until their retirement.

He enjoyed driving around studying farm land and also enjoyed tractors and horses.

He is survived by sisters: Gladys Walker, Cleveland, OH, Lorraine Stepke of Waukesha, WI, and Dorothy Snartemo, Milwaukee, WI; brother: Willis (Carol) Skjerping, Coon Rapids, MN; 16 nieces and nephews; 14 grand nieces and nephews; and many cousins and good neighbors.

Donald was preceded in death by parents; brothers: Adolph and Theodore Ted Skjerping; three brothers-in-law and a great niece.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

SPECIAL MUSIC: Anne Murray CDs-Softly and Tenderly, How Great Thou Art and Old Rugged Cross
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: Amazing Grace
MILITARY HONORS: Thief River Falls American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793