Laurie Lee (Odland) Skaro

Laurie Lee (Odland) Skaro, age 58, of Sebeka, MN, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 18, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer. Laurie was born May 12, 1954, in Buffalo, Wyoming. She was the 1st of 4 children born to Faye Donald and Rita (Sangrey) Odland. She grew up in Montana, moving to Menahga, MN, with her family at the age of 14. She attended Menahga High School, graduating with the class of 1972. Following high school, she went to Detroit Lakes Technical College where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree. She was united in marriage to Harold Lillquist in May of 1973. This union was blessed with 2 daughters: Melissa "Missy" Lina and Melinda "Mindy" Dawn. In 1976, Laurie and Harold were divorced. On March 10, 1979, Laurie was united in marriage to Steve Skaro at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. They made their home in Sebeka, MN. This union was blessed with 4 children: Steve, David, Donald and Stephanie. Laurie's Mom, Rita, was a nurse and her career path led the way for her daughters. In 1984, Laurie attended Fergus Falls Community College where she earned her Registered Nursing Degree; her 3 sisters followed this same path. Laurie worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids, MN, as a Registered Nurse and then as the Quality Care Manager, her career spanning more than 25 years. She then gained employment with New Dimensions Home Health Care where she cared for one very special family for 2 years. On December 3, 2008, she began working at Oshki Monidoo in Bemidji, MN, where she cared for Native American chemically dependent teens. While she was employed there, she was blessed to meet a very special group of people whom became another part of her family. She enjoyed her work there. Her battle with cancer required her to take a leave of absence which turned into an early retirement, though she would have loved to go back to work. During her younger years, she enjoyed riding horses, was an avid reader and was also a wrestling cheerleader. As the oldest of 4 children, she was often stuck caring for her 3 younger sisters. During her later years, she liked taking care of her baby cows on the farm, a good game of pinochle, singing karaoke with her Mom and aunt, Lila, spending time with her family and doting on her grandchildren. She also enjoyed joyrides with her husband and together, they put on a lot of miles. Her Native American Heritage was very important to her. She learned the customs and traditions which were a large part of her life. She really enjoyed Native American Dance that she learned through her Oshkie Manidoo family. She belonged to the Rocky Boy Reservation in Box Elder, Montana. She took many trips to Montana throughout the years to visit family members and friends. She was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Sebeka. Above all, Laurie was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend to many. She will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Steve Skaro of Sebeka; 5 children: Melissa "Missy" (Chad) Wattenhofer of Sebeka, Melinda "Mindy"(Clint) Kyllonen of Menahga, Steve (Tammy) Skaro of Nimrod, David (Jen) Skaro of Sebeka, Stephanie (Randy) Vandermay of Sebeka; 16 grandchildren: Kendra and Keegan, Tyler, Tucker, Maia and Isaac, Jessica, Nathan and Joselin, Kieler, Hunter, Gage and Ella, Garett, Natalie and Lydia; 3 sisters: Lonnie Odland of Park Rapids, MN, Lita (Sheldon) Sagedahl of Menahga, MN, and Lecil (Matt) Miller of Menahga, MN; 2 sisters-in-law, Margaret (Jerry) Ament of Wadena, MN, and Bernice (Tom) Pickar of Verndale, MN; 2 brothers-in-law, Allen (Bernice) Skaro of Menahga, MN and Ray (Gail) Skaro of Menahga; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Donald in 1983, her parents, Faye Donald in 1995 and Rita in 2010; and her father-in-law, Bill Skaro in 2005. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2012, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sebeka with Pastor Rachel Stout officiating. Lonnie Schmidt will serve as organist and soloist. Deana Skov and Avis Horton will provide special music Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, November 23, 2012, at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren. Active Casketbearers will be Brian Ament, Amy Shimkus, Cara Dahl, Judy Tholen, Jill Stoll and Stacy Davis. Interment will be made in Shell City Cemetery.