Ragnar Skarsaune

With humble acceptance of God's will, we report the death of Ragnar Skarsaune, age 70, of Sioux Center, IA. He died Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Royal Meadows Care Center after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 5th at 2PM at the Church Of The Savior in Orange City with The Rev. Dr. Karen Wacome officiating (530 Arizona Avenue SW, Orange City, IA 51041). The Skarsaune family prefers no flowers or memorial donations, but asks you honor Ragnar's life by performing a random act of kindness. Ragnar Martin Skarsaune was born May 18, 1945 to Anders and Gurine (Solem) Skarsaune. The family immigrated to Hope, North Dakota in 1961. Ragnar joined the US Army, and served in Fort Hood, Texas until 1966. Following his honorable discharge he went to Fargo, North Dakota where he met and married Sandra Young on July 2, 1966. He graduated from North Dakota State University, and began his professional career in purchasing after earning an MBA from Western Michigan University. During his career, he worked in the automotive industry for Case, Eaton, Sunrise and Bluebird Bus Company in locations in Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia. Ragnar and Sandy moved to Sioux Center, Iowa after Ragnar accepted a job with Groschopp in 2006. He always enjoyed traveling; two special events were his cross country motorcycle trip with his son Chuck in 2005 and his 50th reunion of his confirmation class in Norway in 2010. Ragnar was an accomplished downhill skier and runner. He and Sandy took every opportunity to visit different parts of the country and Europe, and enjoy the experiences. Left to cherish the memories of the good years are his wife of 49 years, Sandy of Sioux Center, and his son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Jen Skarsaune of Butler, TN; his granddaughter, Jamie Austin of Bowling Green, KY along with two brothers: Arnold (Joan) Skarsaune and Oddvar Skarsaune who reside in Vanvikan, Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anders and Gurine.