Jack Skarda
Jack Skarda, 94, of Watford City, N.D., passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Home, Watford City, N.D. He was born on Nov. 30, 1929, on the family farm north of Charlson. He was the third child of Lewis and Jessie (Falls) Skarda. Jessie homesteaded in the Bowman area before she married Lewis. They moved from the river bottom when he was in 7th grade. He graduated from Old Sanish High School in 1948. While in High School, he enjoyed playing on their basketball team.
Jack went into the Army in January 1952, and went to basic training in Augusta Ga. He then went to Germany after the end of World War II and was in the 43rd Infantry Division Signal Corps. He got out of the Army in December 1953, and went back to farming on the home place.
He met the love of his life, Joanne Blegen in 1954 and they were married in 1955. They had 4 children: Charlotte, Gary, Wayne, and Randy. He roughnecked for a while in 1956 and worked for Lawrence Transportation as a crane operator and truck driver. He bought the Keene store in 1959 and worked there while also farming and driving school bus (2-3 years). He sold it in 1973. He bought the current farm in pieces starting in 1958, with the purchase of a house and some land from Carl Gryte.
In his younger years he loved to participate in Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Calf Roping in the rodeo when he was not farming. He always enjoyed going hunting and especially loved horses. He loved being a rancher.
Jack is survived by his children, Charlotte Willis (Greg), Gary Skarda (Kathy), Wayne Skarda (Kim) and Randy Skarda (Tana). He is also survived by numerous grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death his wife, Joanne; his parents, Lewis and Jessie (Falls) Skarda; his sister, Marge Kieson; brothers, Robert and William; and infant granddaughters, Melinda and Shawna Willis.
Funeral services for Jack was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Clear Creek Lutheran Church, Keene, N.D. with Pastor Peder Stenslie officiated. Military funeral honors were presented by the Carl E. Rogen Post 29, Watford City, N.D., and representatives from the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard. Interment was held in the Clear Creek Cemetery, Keene, N.D. Visitation was held on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home in Watford City and one hour before service at the church. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D. is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com