Viola (Vi) Oline Skorheim , 98, longtime Minot resident, died Sunday, December 1, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Vi was born February 8, 1921 at rural Fairdale in Walsh County, North Dakota the daughter of Thomas and Matilda (Berntson) Olson.   She was raised on a farm near Fairdale ND and graduated from Fairdale High School in 1940.  Vi enjoyed reminiscing about her wonderful memories about growing up on the farm with 10 siblings.

Vi attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, prior to moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she became employed with Boeing.  From 1942-1945, she worked as a mechanical technician installing radios in B-17 Bombers.   She was very proud to do her part to help our country.  She returned to Adams, North Dakota and was employed with the Johnson Store as a clerk.

Vi was united in marriage to Raymond Skorheim on June 15, 1946 at Milton, North Dakota.  They had celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2016. They made their home in Fargo until Ray graduated from North Dakota State University in 1948.  After Ray's graduation, they moved to Minot, North Dakota.  Vi managed the household and was kept very busy with their four children.   For over 30 years, Vi and Ray enjoyed spending time at the summer cabin on Rice Lake.    After retiring, they continued to live in Minot and spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona where they enjoyed time with relatives and friends.

Vi had many interests and hobbies.    She always enjoyed reading, a game of cards and learning a new craft such as ceramics and crocheting. Vi was also a member of various homemakers clubs. During her retirement years, she enjoyed oil painting and created many beautiful pictures for her family members. One of her favorite past times was visiting with friends and family over a cup of coffee or green tea, along with a tasty dessert.

Vi was a great cook and baker.   She was well known for several of her Norwegian dishes.   We always knew we were home when we smelled the wonderful aroma of her fresh baked buns.

Vi was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Minot and Martha Circle serving group.  Vi's faith has always been important to her.  She was a strong Christian in all aspects of her life and practiced it every day as a humble and loving person.

Vi's most cherished times were spent with family.  We will deeply miss her unconditional love and positive attitude.  Her loving family includes, daughters, Mary Skorheim, Minot and Nancy Skorheim of Rice Lake, ND; grandchildren, Christopher (Sonia) and Angela (Robert); great grandchildren, Jasmine, Grace, Daniel, Andrew, Alexis, Kaitlyn and Thomas; daughter in law: Teresa Klippen and children, Melissa, Joshua and Robert; along with her sister, Deloris Sandberg, Duluth, MN and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 70 years, Raymond; sons, Daniel and Randall; sisters, Nora Amundrud, Alma Bakken, Alida Bjorg, Florence Wick and Olive Olson; brothers, Theodore, Reynard, Arthur and Wallace Olson.

Funeral service: Monday, December 9, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Monday at 3:00 p.m. in the ND Veterans Cemetery, rural, Mandan, ND.
Visitation: Sunday, December 8th from 4:00-6:00 p.m.in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials : preferred to Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, ND Veterans Cemetery Foundation or Roosevelt Elementary School to be used for the school lunch program.

Viola Skorheim Flowers