Christ Roger Skarsten

Christ Roger Skarsten, 89, of Benson, died on Tuesday afternoon, June 23, 2020, at the Meadowlane Care Center in Benson. A public visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. A public graveside service will follow the visitation at 3:15 pm at the Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Christ Roger Skarsten was born on May 31, 1931, in Camp Lake Township, Swift County, the son of Christian K. and Rose (Knutson) Skarsten.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Pauli Lutheran Church in Camp Lake Township.  He joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Benson with his family in January 1949.

He attended country school in district #54 near his home and went to high school at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, MN, graduating in 1949.  He was proud to have attended his 70th class reunion as part of the all-school reunion in July 2019.

He started helping with farm work at a young age at the farm in Camp Lake Township.  In 1946 his family moved to a farm in Benson Township and Christ farmed and raised Hereford cattle with his dad until his dad’s passing in 1956.  He continued expanding the operation and eventually increased his herd to, at one time, over 600.

On June 24, 1972, Christ was united in marriage to Alice Larson at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson by Pastor Victor Quello.  Together they were able to share in 48 years of marriage.

Christ was a member of the Busy Go-Getters 4-H Club and the Hereford Association.  He showed beef cattle at the Swift County Fair and the Junior Livestock Show in St. Paul and won championships for showmanship.  He also showed Herefords with his father in the open class division at the Minnesota State Fair.  Christ enjoyed working with machinery, going to bull sales, watching westerns, driving to town for coffee, and attending his children’s concerts and other events.

He was called from this life on June 23, 2020 at Meadow Lane Healthcare Center in Benson.  He attained the age of 89 years and 23 days.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; son Roger Skarsten of Hildesheim, Germany; daughter Sarah Skarsten of Benson; sister Roselyn Scott of Costa Mesa, CA; two nieces, Kay Schmitt and Karla Lapic and their families; and several cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Genevieve (and Kenneth) Sandberg, and brother-in-law Carl Scott.