Roger Lawrence Skauge

Roger Lawrence Skauge, age 81, passed away June 6, 2025, surrounded by family in Spring Grove, Minn., after multiple battles with cancer.

Roger was born to parents Lawence and Delores (Sagdalen) Skauge in Spring Grove, Minn., on September 1, 1943. He was raised on the family farm in the valley north of Black Hammer. He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church of Black Hammer, where he was a lifelong member. He graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1961. He enlisted in the Army in 1962 and served in the Reserve engineering battalion for several years. He attended the welding program at Winona Tech in 1965, then was employed by Winona Aggregate, continuing to work there for nearly 25 years while also farming. He married Audrey Mae Solberg on September 3, 1966, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, Minn., at a double-ring ceremony along with Dianne Solberg and Dennis Vesterse. The couple lived in Winona for the first few years of their marriage and had two sons at that time, David and Dale, until they moved back to the Spring Grove area. The couple bought their farm in 1973 in Rooster Valley near Black Hammer and lived there until moving to Spring Grove in 2002. Audrey passed away in 2015.

Roger found his passion in farming. He started farming alongside his father, Lawrence. Lawrence continued helping on the farm for many years even after moving to Spring Grove. Roger and his wife Audrey raised beef cattle and crops. Audrey played a large role in helping on the farm, along with their sons. Later, the farming legacy was continued with his son David working closely with Roger. Roger’s favorite part of farming was to plant corn and watch it grow. Much of Roger’s farm equipment was well aged; it seemed that he enjoyed repairing his machinery nearly as much as he liked field work. Although time consuming, it allowed him to pass valuable knowledge down to his son and grandson to continue the operation. During the busy season he enjoyed everything related to farming, and during the off season he liked to talk about his plans for the next season. After a terminal diagnosis early this year, getting out to do field work this spring was less than promising. However, he pushed through to work with David to get the corn and beans planted, passing only days after the last crop was in.

Roger and Betty Lou Gaustad, former classmate and neighbor, developed a close relationship that has lasted nearly 10 years. She has made many trips during their time together from her home in Sunny Valley, Oreg., to stay with Roger. He even took a trip out to see her, despite his strong dislike of flying. They have helped each other a great deal, especially through recent years.

Roger really enjoyed sports and played high school baseball. Later, he participated in softball, bowling, church dartball, and playing cards at the log cabin in the city park. He was an avid Twins and Vikings fan, and followed the games on TV and radio. He will be remembered for his kindness, strong will, and quick-witted humor.

Roger is survived by his sons David (Christy) Skauge of Spring Grove and Dale Skauge of Rochester, his three grandchildren: Miranda (Jamie) Harper, Rhiannon Skauge and Lawrence Skauge; and his great-granddaughter Zelma Harper. He is also survived by his brother Joel

Skauge of Rochester, his sister Rachel (Duane) Olerud of Spring Grove, his girlfriend Betty Gaustad of Sunny Valley, Oreg.; his sisters-in-law Lois Ann Steele, Nina Lee and Dianne Vesterse; his brother-in-law Tom (Michelle) Solberg, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, his parents Lawrence and Delores Skauge, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Lyle and Alma Solberg, his sisters-in-law Connie (Joel) Skauge and Karen Solberg, his brothers-in-law Dennis (Dianne) Vesterse and Rodney (Nina Solberg) Lee, and his niece Kelly (Holland) Swee.

Roger’s family would like to give special thanks to Gundersen Hospice for all the care provided

to him over the past months. Also, they extend a thank you to Tweeten Nursing Home staff for

their care during his short stay there.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 9-11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church of Black Hammer, with services to follow at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow in the church basement. Roble Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.