Bervin Louris Skjei was born August 20, 1920, in Kragero Township, Chippewa County, to parents John B. and Guida Signora (Borstad) Skjei. He was baptized October 3, 1920, and confirmed October 28, 1934, at Minnesota Valley Lutheran Church. Bervin attended school at Hantho School and Appleton High School. On January 6, 1942, Bervin was united in marriage to Arline Williamson at the Ness Parsonage in Madison. During his life Bervin farmed, worked at the Farmers' Elevator, owned and operated Skjei Septic Tank Service, and did custom combining. During World War II he served with the US Army completing basic training in Little Rock, AK. His active duty was in the Military Police in Puerto Rico where he earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal Meritorious Unit Award. He was a life-time member of Minnesota Valley Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the VFW, and a board member at the Appleton Senior Center. Bervin's hobbies and enjoyments included: talking Norwegian, hunting, playing cards, visiting with family and friends, bowling, walking, gardening, and traveling. His two trips to Norway were highlights of his life. He had a great work ethic, was very compassionate, and extremely devoted to his family. Bervin died on Sunday evening November 25 at Appleton Area Health Services. He had attained 92 years, 3 months, and 5 days of age. Bervin is survived by his wife, Arline, of Appleton; three children: Stan (Judy) Skjei of Lakeville, Kathryn (Tim) Swanson of Orono, and Kevin (Kathy) Skjei of Appleton; nine grandchildren: Jodi (Barry) Karn, Scott (Michele) Skjei, Julie Skjei, Peter (Angie) Swanson, Justin (Thekla) Swanson, Emily (Cory) Binder, Matthew (Jethe) Swanson, Kirsten (Ross) Olness, and Kyle Skjei; eleven great-grandchildren: Kelly Karn, Beau Karn, Ramsey Skjei, Brady Skjei, Jordan Skjei-Wright, Meghan Swanson, Andrew Swanson, Tiegan Swanson, Piper Swanson, Elise Binder, and Harper Olness; one great-great-grandchild, Madison Davis; his sister, Marlys Kashmark, of Appleton; two sisters-in-law: Delores (Morris) Hastad and Myrtle Hastad both of Madison; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Bervin is preceded in death by his parents John and Guida Skjei.
