Mary Anne (Ericksen) Skundberg, 83, of Kenyon, died Sunday, September 29th, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis.
She was born on July 26, 1941 to Katherine (Juul) Ericksen and Raymond Ericksen in Minneapolis, MN. As a young girl Mary enjoyed speed skating, camping, Girl Scouts, reading, playing the piano, and keeping up with her two older brothers. At age 15, Mary went to Norway as an exchange student.
Mary graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis, MN before attending Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. There she received her B.A. and teaching degree in English and German. She also met her husband, Gary Skundberg while attending Luther. They were married on August 17th, 1963.
The couple lived and taught in Iowa and Minnesota prior to coming to Kenyon in 1967. Mary taught piano lessons in their home while their girls were young, and then went back to teaching English and German at Kenyon High School until retirement.
During retirement Mary and Gary enjoyed traveling as guides on trips to various countries; their favorite and most frequent was Norway. They were members of Sons of Norway. Mary also enjoyed playing cribbage, reading, cooking, and sharing her Norwegian cookies and cakes. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her 3 daughters Anne Skundberg Haugland (David Haugland) of Waconia, Sara Skundberg Koehler (Scott Koehler) of Northfield, and Kari Skundberg Franz (Scott Franz) of Northfield; grandchildren Marya Haugland, Sophia Haugland (fiancé, Matthew Staver), Erik Haugland, Katherine Koehler, Sidney Koehler, Jay Koehler, Emma Torstenson, Sam Torstenson, Matthew Franz, Tanner Franz, Stephanie Franz; brother John and Ahna Marie Ericksen of Chippewa Falls, WI, sister-in-law Judy Ericksen Larson of Great Falls, MT, sister-in-law Rachel and Conrad Favor of Stevens Point, WI, sister-in-law Cheryl and James Thompson of Goose Creek, SC, and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gary, brother Joel Ericksen, and nephew Daniel Favor.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at 1 p.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenyon, MN. A reception following the service will be held until 5:00 p.m. in the church basement.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family to establish a memorial in Mary’s name via Kari Franz, 11678 Kane Ave, Northfield, MN 55057.
