Erma Skala, 84, of Red Lake Falls, MN died on Wednesday, September 27, 2000 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN. Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2000 at 10:30 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls with Father Tim Bushy Officiating. Burial will be held in the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery at Terrebonne, MN.

Visitation will be held on Friday, 5 " 8 PM with a 7:00 prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Erma Helen LaPlante was born July 31, 1916 near Red Lake Falls, MN daughter of the late Walter and Minnie (Scharmer) LaPlante. She was raised near Red Lake Falls and attended rural school. On June 16, 1939 she was united in marriage to Harvey Perreault at St. Anthony Catholic Church at Terrebonne, MN. They farmed near Terrebonne until he passed away on October 18, 1954. Erma worked at the Kalinoskis chicken house, at Marcoux Corner, she worked for Leo St. Michels Locker Plant and Ryans Jack and Jill Grocery store. On October 10, 1969 Erma was united in marriage to Henry Skala. They have resided at the Skala farm near Red Lake Falls for the past 30 years.
She was an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, folding bulletins for many years, served as a teachers aid at St. Joseph School for many years, was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Hillcrest Nursing Home Auxiliary. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds having many birdhouses in the yard. Erma also enjoyed her garden and flower garden and was a very good cook.
Erma is survived by her husband Henry Skala of Red Lake Falls, MN; her children Donald Perreault (Fianc Judi Staff) of Crookston, MN, Jim Perreault (Lorraine) of Lakeville, MN, Tom Perreault (Charlene) of Georgetown, TX, Marlys Schiefert (Jerry) of Hopkins, MN and Diane Schall (Steve) of Eden Prairie, MN: Step children Joseph Skala, Gene Skala (Judy), Karen Knott (Mike) and Kathleen Skala all of Red Lake Falls, MN: 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Sister Etta Payment (Xavier) of Red Lake Falls, MN and brother Edward LaPlante (Martha) of New Hope, MN, many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Minnie LaPlante, husband Harvey Perreault, brothers Leonard LaPlante, Ernest LaPlante and George LaPlante and sister Marie Gervais.
MEMORIALS TO: St. Joseph School
ORGANISTS: Rob Conwell and Val Gagnon.
SPECIAL MUSIC: St. Joseph Church Choir
CASKET BEARERS: Mark Perreault, Kenny Perreault, Jon Perreault, Kris Perreault, Steve Schiefert, and Darrell Payment.