David A. Skavlen
September 13, 1938 - April 10, 2024
Obituary
STOUGHTON - David A. Skavlen, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Skaalen Nursing and Rehab. He was born on Sept. 13, 1938, in Stoughton, Wis., the son of Marvin and Anna (Midtbo) Skavlen. He was a 1956 graduate of Stoughton High School and graduated from Madison Business College with a degree in Accounting.
On Aug. 27, 1960, David married Carol Nitzsche, who he met in high school. David worked for Western Electric and then became involved with his mother-in-law, Bertha Nitzsche’s family business, Midwest Sales, Inc. He later became involved with his brother-in-law, Roger Nitzsche, and William Hrubik to form Midwest Rubber Mfg., Inc., and Midwest Adhesives, Inc. He was also a long-time member of the U.S. Army Reserves.
David was active with his sons and was a youth baseball coach for many years. He enjoyed special time with family and all of their activities. He loved being outdoors fishing, hunting, playing golf and snowmobiling, and he especially looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Nakina, Ontario, Canada. He also enjoyed his trips to his cabin in Amberg, Wis.
David was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, serving as an usher for many years. In addition, David was a member of the Stoughton Lions Club, Stoughton Conservation Club, Stoughton Booster Club, American Legion, the Torske Klubben Club, and he served on the Board of Directors of both the Stoughton Country Club and Skaalen Nursing and Rehab. He and Carol were King and Queen of Syttende Mai in 2000 and he was awarded the Honorary S Award by the Stoughton Booster Club in 2003. He was Past Master of Kegonsa Lodge No. 73, Past Patron of Eastern Star, member of Scottish Rite Bodies, member of Zor Shrine, Zor Mosque Management Board, Board of Directors for Shriners Children’s Hospital (Chicago,) Zor Wranglers, Zor Camel Patrol, ROJ, General Chairman of the Shrine All Star Football Game for two years and member of the Board of Directors, Zor Divan, and President of Lakeland Shrine Club.
David is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Todd (Teri) Skavlen, daughter, Cindy (Sean) Grady, and son, Scott (Becky) Skavlen; grandchildren, Shannon and Mari Grady, Erik and Ethan Skavlen, and Emily Skavlen; great-granddaughter, Evelynn Bowe; sisters, Kristi (LaVerne) Schuler and Kathie (Kevin) Gunderson; and brother-in-law, Roger (Judie) Nitzsche; He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James and Robert Skavlen; and sister, Mary Ann Staff.
A funeral service will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 700 County Highway B, Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with Pastor Paula Geister Jones officiating. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Lutheran South Cemetery, Stoughton. Following the graveside service, a luncheon will be held back at the church. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, with a Masonic service @ 6:45 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Memorials in David’s name may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital (Chicago) or Christ Lutheran Church. Special thanks to Skaalen Nursing and Rehab staff and to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590