Harland Skalisky

Harland J. Skalisky, age 84, of Menahga, Minn., formerly of Sebeka, Minn, and Wadena, Minn., passed away on May 7, 2011. Harland was born on March 2, 1927, on a farm in Verndale, Minn., to Pearl and Jerry Skalisky. He married Rosella A. Rach on October 1, 1949, in Bertha, Minn. In 1955, he took over the family farm in rural Wadena, Minn., and lived there until Rosella’s death in 1985. He later married and lost both Mary J. Shea of Staples, Minn., and Alma L. Hillig of Sebeka, Minn. After farming, Harland was employed in maintenance for the Wadena School District from where he retired. Harland served as President and Clerk of the Public School District 1483 School Board in Ottertail County, trustee for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wadena, member of the building maintenance committee of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sebeka, and member of the board of the DAC (Development Achievment Center) in Sebeka. His favorite pastimes were playing, coaching, and watching baseball and softball. For many years, he held the season home run record in the High 10 League. Another activity that he enjoyed was deer hunting, and did so every fall until his early 80’s. His son, Steve, recalled this about his dad: “When it came to hunting, Harland was able to blend into the woods like a ghost in pursuit of his prey. He loved to track and chase deer. He would often go for many miles into the woods alone with only a compass, not to return until dark, causing everyone to wonder if we were ever going to see him again.” Harland was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Edna Neuschwander. He his survived by his children, Sheryl (Allan) Vandenberghe of Brainerd, Minn., Steve of Hermantown, Minn., Sally (Kim) Wood of Woodbridge, Virginia, Scott (Diane) of Gardner, Kansas, Susan of Brainerd, brother Dale (Wanda) of Wenatchee, Washington, sisters Viola Hanson of Fergus Falls, Lorraine Kniefel of Owatanna, Geraldine Bailey of Knoxville, Tennessee, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11 at First English Lutheran Church,17 Main St., Menahga with Rev. Steve Bruer officiating. Burial will take place in the Wadena Cemetery. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. John Pate at Tri County Hospital and to the staff of Green Pine Acres for their excellent care of Harland.

Harland Skalisky

March 2, 1927 - May 7, 2011