Obituary - Dale L. Skaalure

Dale Levern Skaalure, 95, longtime Big Sandy farmer, and recently of Helena, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at Touchmark Memory Care in Helena. His loving wife of 68 years, Lorraine, was at his side. Born July 7, 1919, Dale was raised on his family's farm southeast of Big Sandy. His time at Montana State College was interrupted by World War II, when he volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving as a soldier in a POW camp in Arizona. His engagement to Lorraine Omlie came to fruition in 1946 when they were married. After finishing his degree in Bozeman, the couple returned to the family farm to begin raising grain, cattle and five children. Dale was always thankful for his wife, family and God's blessings.

Dale was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy for decades, holding leadership positions in the congregation, serving in the Montana Synod and attending the Lutheran World Federation meeting in Helsinki in 1963. Besides church leadership, Dale was a 60-year charter Big Sandy Rotarian, serving as Montana's Rotary District Governor in 1986-87.

Dale was elected to the Chouteau County commission in 1966 and served the next 18 years (three terms). He was elected to MACo and NACo, the Montana and National commissioners organizations. He even met two presidents, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

Dale enjoyed singing out of the church hymnbook and the Rotarian songbook and was always ready to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

The family thanks the staffs of Touchmark Memory Care and Hospice of St. Peter's for all the wonderful care.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Crist and Ethel Skaalure; his sister, Thelma (Lawrenson); and son-in-law, Dennis (Signe) Stevens.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Omlie) and children: Arne (Cindy) of Plymouth, Minnesota, Signe Stevens of Bridger, Montana, Kirsten (Ron) Hoffarth of Langdon, North Dakota, Kevin (Kristi) of Helena, Montana, and Heidi (Craig) Sneltjes of Shoreview, Minnesota. He is also survived by his longtime farming and ranching partner, his brother Glenn (Jere); and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Dale's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave., Helena. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall at the church. Private interment will be Friday at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Memorials can be made to donor's choice. Please visit http://www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dale.