Gwendolyn 'Gwen' Elizabeth Skarstad, 95, Minot, died on Friday, September 6, 2019 in a Minot nursing home from complications related to Dementia. She was surrounded by her loving family when she entered eternal life.

Gwen was born April 7, 1924 in Egg Creek Township of McHenry County, North Dakota, the eldest child of Stener and Anna (Johnson) Hillerud. She was raised and educated near Granville and attended the Kottke Valley School. She graduated from Granville High School in 1943.

Being the eldest of 5 siblings, Gwen learned at a young age how to care for others and work hard. Days were spent on the family farm cooking, cleaning, attending to her siblings, and helping her Dad with the many chores that come with farming.

Gwen was united in marriage to Donald Skarstad on September 22, 1943 in Towner, North Dakota. From this loving union, two beautiful daughters were born, Marlene Ann and Lynnette Kay. The family made their home near Deering before moving to Granville in 1947. Together, they farmed in Kottke Valley Township from 1949-1961. In 1961, they returned to Granville and purchased the Standard Oil Station and bulk plant, where Gwen assisted with the bookkeeping. They moved to Minot in 1968. After Donny's health declined, Gwen's nurturing instincts and unconditional love for her husband was unwavering as she became both head of household and caretaker. It was at this time that Gwen gained full-time employment at St. Joseph's Hospital and remained there until her retirement in 1987. Donald died on December 29, 1994. Her life continued in Minot and eventually she was a resident of Edgewood Vista, Souris Valley Care Center in Velva and finally at Trinity Homes in Minot.

Gwen will always be remembered for immense artistic talent. She would excel at anything crafty or creative. She loved painting ceramics, sewing, crocheting, decorating, and anything colored lavender! Gwen was an amazing cook and baker. The family could always rely on her home-made goodies, from lefsa to her famous potet klub. She enjoyed keeping Norwegian traditions alive and introducing her grandkids to their heritage. Many family meals were prepared and served around her loving table. She enjoyed music and spent many hours playing her prized organ and listening to the tunes of an accordion. She spoke fondly of her younger years dancing with Donny and would share numerous stories to her grandchildren of the good old days. She was a former member of First Lutheran in Granville, where she was active with the Women's Circle groups, Order of the Eastern Star, Rising Homemakers Club and Granville Senior Citizens group. She was a current member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Her nurturing, out-going and independent personality will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Gwen is survived by her loving family: daughters, Marlene (Leonard) Larsen, Minot, ND and Lynnette (Carmen) Olson, Minot, ND; grandchildren, Kim (Jeff) Nehring, Kris (Bryan) Van Grinsven, Curt (Genelle) Olson, Candy (Paul) Brekke and Kyle (Kendra) Larsen; 11 great grandchildren: Jordan Hall, Carter Hall, Madison Van Grinsven (Noah Bosh), Cayley Olson, Brooke Van Grinsven, Kaitlyn Larsen, Gage Olson, Carson Brekke, Kason Larsen, Dawson Nehring and Makella Brekke; siblings: Stan Hillerud, Velva, Doris Hiller of DeSoto, TX and Shirley (Harold) Harmon, Minot, ND; sister in law: Ardelle Hillerud, Towner, ND; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 51 years, Donald; brother, Stener HIllerud, Jr.; brother in law, Homer Hiller and sister in law, Katheryn Hillerud. Also, all of Donald's siblings and spouses.

Funeral service: Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Norwich Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Norwich.
Visitation: Friday, September 13, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot, First Lutheran Church, Granville or Norwich Lutheran Cemetery.