Robert Eugene Skarsgard

Robert Eugene Skarsgard, born September 18, 1945, in Minot,

ND, died Monday November 8th after suffering a stroke on November 6th.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Jo Skarsgard, 78, of Albuquerque; son Erik, daughter-in-law Amanda Gonzales Skarsgard, and grandchildren Shelby and Austin, of Las Cruces, NM; son Steve, daughter-in-law Mary Beth Vogt Skarsgard, and grandchildren Berit, Eliza, and Bowen, of Denver; Brother Gordon (Skip) and his wife Patience, of Albuquerque; Brother Danny & Deborah, of Minnesota; brother Rockwell, sister Tami Haugen & husband Brad, and sister Bette Wold & husband Joel, all from North Dakota; and countless nieces, nephews, loved ones and treasured friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister Candice Pearson, brother Dale, and parents Lillian and A.T.

An outsized personality, and with a worldview that matched his heart, Bob was the consummate North Dakota farm kid. Born in Minot, he graduated in 1969 from the University of North Dakota, with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business.

While at UND, Bob also received an officer’s commission through the Army ROTC. Upon graduation, he served in active duty in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1971. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve for the next half-decade, earning the rank of Captain.

One of his pre-Vietnam assignments landed him at the Material Command in Washington, DC, where he met MJ, then a Registered Nurse at Georgetown University Hospital. Their courtship transcended his time at Vietnam, and they were married on December 30, 1971, shortly after his return to the States.

After time in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Bob and MJ moved their young family to Albuquerque and have been here for the past 40 years. Bob built his reputation of fairness and dependability as youth coach, business leader and all-around friend, among other leadership roles.

Together with his soul mate MJ, they traveled to all 50 states and numerous countries in Europe, Central America, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.

Those who know Bob described him as gregarious, generous, fun-loving, and loved by all. He entertained his passions of golf, gardening, and travel until moments before he made his place as one of Heaven’s loyal custodians. And he will continue to care for us all.

The celebration service will be held at 1:30 PM Friday November 19th, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 2621 Vermont Street NE, Albuquerque. Due to COVID considerations, there is not a formal reception planned at this time. Please visit our online guestbook for Robert at

www.FrenchFunerals.com.