"I knew Ms. Vivian SKOGERBO best as a neighbor on the northeast side of Rochester, MINNESOTA, where Vivian and the Reverend A. Peter SKOGERBO resided for many years. Always an avid conversationalist, exellent baker and cook, I felt welcome in her home, as a visitor and neighbor! Vivian will be missed! /S/Dennis David JOHNSON, M. D., Ph. D."
In loving memory of
Vivian Skogerbo
August 5, 2019
Vivian Skogerbo, 90, died of congestive heart failure on Monday, August 05, 2019 at her home in Rochester surrounded by her family.
Vivian Emma Rosnau was born on June 8, 1929 in Winthrop, Minn., to Herman and Adina (King) Rosnau. She attended Northwestern Bible School in Minneapolis where she met and married Rev. Peter Skogerbo on June 11, 1954. After pastoring churches in St. Paul, Minn., and Newton, Iowa, the couple moved to Rochester in 1959 before going overseas as missionaries to Chile in 1961. They returned to Rochester in 1970 where they settled down, made their home, and raised their four children.
Whether in South America or Rochester, Vivian knew how to make her house a home--and a haven for those who crossed the doorstep. She loved to cook and bake, and there was always a place at the table for unexpected guests and her children's friends. She was also "mom" to several foreign exchange students. She enjoyed tending to the flowers in her garden, and watching the visiting birds and squirrels. For many years, her birthday celebration was afternoon tea with her daughters and granddaughters. Holidays in Vivian's home found her in her rooster-themed kitchen baking kringla and lefse, later finishing a puzzle while humming along to big band music. She played a fast hand of Dutch Blitz, and always had time for building pillow forts and making homemade play-dough with her grandchildren.
Vivian was active in the area churches her husband Peter pastored, playing the piano, singing and teaching. The couple instilled their love of music in their children. For many years she had a phone answering service in her home for Minneapolis Star and Tribune subscription services.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers George Rosnau, Lowell Rosnau, and their wives; an infant brother, Vernon; daughter Karen Joy; and son-in-law Kelvin Mulholland. She is survived by her husband, Peter; children Alan (Tom Freeman) Skogerbo, Judy Mulholland, Larry (Tracy) Skogerbo, Kathryn St. Claire; her twelve grandchildren: Emily Jo, Elena, Sophia, Taylor, Brandon, Alex, Lauren, Brittany, Matt, Taylor, Louis, and Spencer, who was her caregiver for the last two years; 13 great-grandchildren; 13 nieces and nephews; and her dog, Copper, who was her constant companion.
A memorial service to honor and remember Vivian will be held at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901) on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rick Scott officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Skogerbo family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Dear Peter and Family, My sincere condolences on the loss of your wife and loved one. Praise the Lord you will be reunited again one day in heaven. Peter, you may not remember me from First Baptist in Rochester, but I remember you, and I'm sure you remember my sister Marilyn (Royce) Ormand and probably our parents Walter and Evelyn Royce. I have lots of happy memories of you and Vivian and pray for God's comfort for you and your family. Rosalie (Royce) Schlief"
"I have such great memories of Mrs. Skogerbo! She was better than my own mother to me. When Alan & I went to Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, Pastor and Mrs. Skogerbo would come get us almost every weekend and bring us home. Home to me was their home. I saw in their family what I never had in my family. A strong love for each other and a strong love for the Lord and music. I looked forward to eating with them because Mrs. Skogerbo made the best creamed eggs over toast. How I loved being there with the family! I know she is with her Savior now and I am so grateful that she invested in my life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE, and she believed and lived it. I hope she knew that I do too! My love to Pastor Skogerbo and all of the family! I am a life that was changed because of your care for me! Many thanks to all of you and I will pray for peace and comfort. Love in Christ, Glenda Williamson"
"Alan, so sorry to hear about your loss. Even though it sounds like she had a good long life, losing a mother is always the worst loss of all. Makes sense as she is the person we have known the longest. Be at peace with only good memories. "
"Sending my deepest condolences to the Skogerbo family during this time of loss. Vivian (and Peter) hold a special place in my heart. As a child, they watched over me for many years. Although it started as "baby sitting", it never felt like that to me, it felt like a second family. A few of my favorite memories of Viv are her cooking (potato soup!), her fantastic rooster collection, facilitating my first job delivering papers, a semi-pet squirrel, and as an adult I can definitely applaud her patience and guidance dealing with a little boy. :) As children, we rarely give as much thanks, but as an Adult I realize how thankful I am to be a part of Vivian's home. Sending all my blessings. Take care."
"Pete and Family, I am sorry for your loss of Vivian. She played piano at church with life like no other. When she and Alan teamed up, I could have listened forever. Be taking especially good care of yourselves in this painful time. With shared love, Jerry Porter"
"So sorry to read of your mother's passing, Kathryn. Condolences to the entire family. "
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Skogerbo family. I lived across the street from the family and remember fun times in the Skogerbo house. As I recall, we set up a full store in the basement (some rooms still had dirt floors) and just had a great time. As the oldest house in neighborhood, it was set back from 11th Avenue so some sports were played there as well. Mrs. Skogerbo was always kind and generous to the Nietz household. Great memories. Bill (Billy) Nietz"