Obituaries

A Funeral Service for Elaine J. Skogstad of Roseau, MN will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Pinecreek Cemetery in Pinecreek, MN. Elaine Skogstad passed away peacefully at LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau, MN, on October 8, at the age of 82. Elaine was born to Glenn and Mildred (Ellefson) McKeever on April 15, 1940, in Grand Forks, ND. Elaine grew up on the farm in Middle River, MN, graduating from Middle River High School in 1957. She later met Harvey Skogstad, whom she married on August 3, 1963. Elaine and Harvey began their lives together in Thief River Falls, MN, where they had three children; Connie, Jeffrey, and Troy. Harvey and Elaine eventually moved to Roseau, MN, where they purchased the Center Bar. Elaine later went to work at Polaris Industries and remained employed there until retirement. Elaine was a “fun lover” and social butterfly, making new friends and meeting old wherever she was. She could often be found hanging with the “crew” at Legends Sports Bar. Elaine was an avid Vikings fan, even though she was frequently disappointed by their performance. Elaine also enjoyed spending time with family, playing pool, trying her luck at bingo, Ranger rides, playing cards, and most of all, dancing to country music. Preceding her in death were her parents; brother Ralph McKeever; husband Harvey; daughter Connie, son Jeff; and close friends Helen Losse and Deb Harlow. Surviving Elaine are her son, Troy; daughter-in-law Carolyn Skogstad; grandchildren Connie (Jeremy) Grindeland and Cody Skogstad; great-grandchildren Kamber and Kennedy Grindeland; siblings Noel (Ole) McKeever, Glendon (Bunny) McKeever, sister Betty (James) Hjelle; nieces and nephews; and many great friends.

Mildred “Mike” Ness, of Thief River Falls, MN, formerly of Holt and Middle River, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, MN, at the age of 97.

Hjalmer Mathews Hanson was born on September 12, 1937, in Tamarac Township, Stephen, MN, to Hjalmer & Mildred (Kalishko) Hanson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended school in Middle River and Gatzke. On February 28, 1959, he married Patricia (Berg). They had 5 children: Dale, Harlyn, Diane, Rory and Tarayn.