Osmond Skogen, 96, of Williston, ND, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston, ND. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family.

Osmond Skogen was born on July 28, 1921, to Nels and Steinvor (Bakka) Skogen in Suldal, Norway, the middle child of five. In 1928, the Skogen family immigrated to the United States, where they established a home in Marshall Township. Imagine the day that five little Norwegian-speaking children entered the Stevens School, which Osmond attended until 8th grade. He was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church on November 8, 1936. At the age of 19, he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he earned an “Excellent” rating on his conduct and work ethic. He was honorably discharged from the Civilian Conservation Corps on March 31, 1941, and then returned to the Skogen farm.

On August 20, 1945, at the age of 24, Osmond became a United States citizen, but he always marveled at the beauty of the Norwegian flag, the majesty of his homeland, and the “beat” of the Norwegian “old-time” music, and the challenges of a good pinochle game!

He married Dorthy Tong on November 14, 1943, at the Epping Lutheran Church in Epping, ND. To this union, two children were born – Gary and Phyllis.
In 1950, they purchased a few acres at the corner of 2 and 42, known to many as Woods Corner, whereon they planted trees, built a beautiful home and corner for all to enjoy, no matter the season. Their farm is still a landmark to NWND residents.

Osmond was a member of the Epping Lutheran Church until their move to Williston in 1986. As residents of Williston, they became members of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. Osmond also served as director on the Epping Farmers Union Oil Company Board, as well as the Williston Co-op Credit Union Board. Recognized as a Williams County Outstanding Farmer in 1979, he and Dorthy attended the NDSU Harvest Bowl. In 1997, he and Gary were recipients of a Tree Maintenance Award from the Williams County Soil Conservation District.

His love for the North Dakota landscape and the work ethic of a farmer was utmost. He enjoyed all seasons in the farming cycle, from the smell of the dirt in the spring after tilling and seeding to the harvesting of the grain in the fall. He so enjoyed farming with his son and grandsons, sharing his conscientious stewardship of the land.

Osmond appreciated his machinery – John Deere was his choice! He instilled that love of “green” with his entire family, all generations to follow! He always chuckled when he received another JD gift – be it a calendar, a mailbox, windchimes, or a piece of clothing. The changes that he experienced in his farming career were astounding! From starting farming with horses to ending up farming with tractors with many horses under the hood!

Osmond and Dorthy dedicated a large portion of their lives to the care of their daughter Phyllis. Their untiring dedication to her were examples of their love and devotion to their family. Enjoying all the family gatherings over the years with children, grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, they were very proud of the accomplishments of all.

Recently, Osmond became a resident of Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston, ND, where he enjoyed the extended family and activities. There, he and Dorthy celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary, as well as being named 2016 Valentine King and Queen. Dorthy passed away on June 19, 2016, and Osmond remained a resident at Bethel.

In the end only two things really matter to a man.....the affection and understanding of his family, and he had both!

Osmond is survived by his son and wife, Gary and Alvina (Strand); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christian and Nancy Skogen and Osmond James, John and Angela Skogen, and Lindsay and Keith Rath, Taylor and Noah; his sister Clara Johnson of Kalispell, MT; sisters-in-law, Dolores Skogen of Fargo, ND, Elaine Tong of Bismarck, ND, Joyce Tong of Ray, ND, Cora Weyrauch of Ross, ND, as well as many nieces and
nephews.

Preceding him in death: his parents; wife Dorthy; daughter Phyllis (Skogen) Johnson; brother, Conrad Skogen; sisters and spouses Berit and Harry Leverenz, Anna and Ted Anderson, brother–in-law Percy Johnson, as well as members of the Tong family, Roy Tong, John Edward Tong, Robert and Arla Tong, Hank and Annie Ringey, Vivian Engen, and Philip Weyrauch.

At Bethel Home, he created and cherished many new friendships with the members of the staff, as well as the other residents. We know that many of the staff at Bethel Home have wings, we just don't see them. Thank you a bunch and God bless you all!