Arline Skjei

Arline Skjei, age 99, of Appleton, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021, in Appleton Area Health –Care Center.  A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at MN Valley Lutheran Church.  Vicar Sarah Larson will officiate.

Arline Skjei was born December 11, 1921, in Madison, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Mathilda (Willand) Williamson.  She was baptized and confirmed at Ness Lutheran Church in Madison.  Arline was raised in Madison, where she graduated high school, Class of 1939.  After high school, Arline worked as a secretary for Earl Klenk of Feed and Seed Loan, Sears Roebuck in Minneapolis, and J.C. Penny in Madison.

On January 6, 1942, Arline was united in marriage to Bervin Skjei of rural Appleton, at the Ness Parsonage in Madison.  This union was blessed with 70 years together and three children: Stanton, Kathryn, and Kevin.

Arline was a long-time member of the Everloyal Sewing Club in Hantho Township and a Bible Study group in rural Appleton.  She worked at the Doll Factory of rural Watson for a number of years.  After retirement, Arline and Bervin bought a house in Appleton where they lived until Bervin became ill and was placed in the nursing home.  Arline then sold the house and moved to Apple Ridge, where she lived until 2018, when she moved to the nursing home.

Arline passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021, in Appleton Area Health –Care Center.  She attained 99 years, 1 month, and 12 days of age.  Arline is survived by her 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 (Darcy) Skjei; eighteen great-grandchildren:  Kelly Karn, Beau Karn, Ramsey Skjei, Brady Skjei, Jordan Skjei-Wright, Meghan Swanson, Andrew Swanson, Tiegan Swanson, Piper Swanson, Elise Binder, Mallory Binder, Bo Swanson, Bridger Swanson, Harper Olness, Hadley Olness, Hollyn Olness, Finley Skjei, and Leni Skjei; one great-great-grandchild, Madison Davis; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bervin Skjei in 2012; her parents, John and Mathilda Williamson; and her siblings: Clarice (Francis) Runchey, Wesley (Suzy) Williamson, Myrtle (Helmer) Hastad, and Delores (Morris) Hastad.

Blessed be the memory of Arline Skjei.