Dwayne Eugene Skogsberg

Servcie Notice:

A summer Celebration of Life is planned for Dwane Eugene Skogsberg, who passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021.

Dwayne was a well-known farmer (Sky Ranch), and business owner (Mc Clure’s Machine Shop, Glens Ferry Auto Parts, and Western Auction Company) from Nampa Idaho. Married to Laurene (Halverson) in 1953, they raised five daughters (Kylene, Korinne, Kristine, Karaly & KatieAnn) in the Dry Lake region outside of Nampa Idaho. Dwayne served in the National Guard and was active in several service organizations including several regional and national potato growers groups, local farming community organizations (including the Countrymans Club), and the Commission on Pardons and Paroles. Dwayne also enjoyed several recreational activities such as attending Boise State football games, snowmobiling, golfing, and being a “horse show dad” when his daughters were competing. He made a significant impact on his community and will be missed by all.

Friends and family are invited to attend a drop-in Celebration of Life, July 25th, from 2:00-4:00 at the Franklin Community Church 8499 Highway 20/26, Nampa, ID 83687. Summer casual wear (appropriate for the weather) is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, Dwayne and his family request that you make a contribution to a charity of your own choice.

Obituary:

On Friday, April 16, 2021, Dwayne Eugene Skogsberg, the incomparable and irreplaceable husband and father, passed away at the age of 87.

Dwayne was born on January 16, 1934 in Nampa, Idaho to Edwin and Hazel (Baggerly) Skogsberg. He was raised on their farm, where he created lasting memories that he often shared about working the land with horses and carving a living out of the tough Idaho ground. Dwayne attended Nampa High School, where he was president of the FFA group and graduated in 1951. He studied agriculture at the University of Idaho for two years before returning home to apply his knowledge. On one special new-years eve, he was set up on a blind date, and was almost too late! But she waited, and so began his courtship with Ida Laurene Halverson, whom he married on June 26th, 1953.

On two occasions in 1957 and 1961, Dwayne was called to serve in the US Army National Guard. During his active service time, he was tasked with maintaining a mobile ERDLator system, which provided his unit with clean and safe water for drinking and cooking. Beyond his mechanical skills, he was known for being able to barter for materials that were hard to come by or had been delayed by red tape and logistics. He felt it was his duty to serve his country during those uncertain times, but when his time in the service was over, he was glad to return to farming.  

In 1964, Dwayne purchased a plot of land in the Dry Lake area south of Nampa where he worked with other farmers in the region to develop and maintain a pumping station that brought water up from the Snake River to provide irrigation to the dry land. Additionally, he moved his young family, Laurene and their 3 daughters Kylene, Korinne, and Kristine, as well as an entire house (!) to the property. Over the next few years, he turned the high desert land into a productive farming operation known as Sky Ranch. On this land, he raised primarily potatoes (of course), wheat, barley, alfalfa, and sugarbeets. Later, 2 more daughters (Karaly and KatieAnn) were born, completing the family.

Dwayne was involved in a number of farming and business endeavors. In 1968, he was named Idaho’s Outstanding Young Farmer, and in 1973 he expanded his farming operation to include properties in Glens Ferry and Indian Hills Idaho. Additionally, he was a partner in the Glenns Ferry Auto Parts Store, and partnered with Ray Martin in the management of McClures Machine Shop in Nampa, where he would often say  “We can weld anything except the crack of dawn.” 

Dwayne was dedicated to supporting the farming community, including serving as the President of the Potato Growers of Idaho (1974-1975) and as a member of the National Potato Council, including the role of Vice President (1982-1983). He was also the Director of the National Potato Promotion & Research Board (1972-1976). Other leadership roles included serving as the director of Western Farmers, director of the Nyssa-Nampa Beet Growers Association, Vice President of the Idaho Food Producers, President of the Hat Bute Canal Company, President of the Grindstone Butte Mutual Canal Company, and President of the Nampa Countryman’s Club. Additionally, he was listed in the “Personalities of the West and Midwest” 1972-73 edition, and in 1975 he was named a “Distinguished Citizen” by the Idaho statesman.    

In 1971 the Idaho Governor appointed Dwayne to the Commission for Pardons and Paroles, where he served until 1979. He also served as a member of the Association of Wardens and Superintendents, the Association of Paroling Authorities, and the Idaho Peace Officers association.

After his long career in agriculture, Dwayne went to Auctioneer school and started Western Auction Company in partnership with Kurt Weitz and Hardy Ward, where he felt that his role was to be the farmer’s friend. Dwayne always had a knack for being able to network and provide connections. Whenever you needed something, be it equipment, knowledge, or skilled services, Dwayne always knew someone who could get the job done.

Even with all of his business and service activities, Dwayne was known as a devoted father, husband, and reliable friend. He patiently sat through dance recitals and band concerts when his daughters were young, then supported them as they branched out into showing horses.  He and Laurene logged innumerable miles hauling Karaly and KatieAnn to horse shows throughout the west, forging many enduring friendships among the members of the Lone Star 4H club, the Lower Snake River Valley Quarter Horse Association, and the Idaho Quarter Horse Breeders Association.

When his daughters were young, the whole family enjoyed spending time camping and fishing near Landmark, snowmobiling in McCall, and taking long road trips that started out with a cooler filled with snacks and a plan to “just to take a drive.” He was famous for his 4th of July celebrations that always included a bonfire, hotdogs, smores, and fireworks, and the occasional tractor, lawnmower, golf cart, wagon, and bicycle parade.

As a testament to life-long friendships and commitments, he stayed in touch with his high school classmates, by organizing annual reunions and mini-reunions for Nampa High’s class of 1951 for as long as he was able. He also enjoyed spending time on the golf course with friends from all of his various endeavors. Additionally, he was an avid Boise State Football fan and enjoyed attending football games. He was a member of the Bronco Athletic Association and a Bronco Booster who perennially held season tickets starting in the early 1970’s, passing the tradition on to his daughters and their families. His family and friends all have fond memories of the tailgate parties held outside Bronco stadium where whatever the weather, you always knew there would be plenty of good food and beverages.

Throughout his life, Dwayne could always be counted on as someone who was willing to help, and who always had a plan. Other than that first date, he was never late. He will be missed by many, but we are all grateful for having had him in our lives.    

Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Hazel Skogsberg and an infant daughter Kaylene. He is survived by his wife Laurene, his five daughters Kylene Patterson (Ted), Kristine Harger, Korinne Sword (Mike), Karaly Maione (Tom), KatieAnn Skogsberg-Redmond (Shane), his three grandchildren, Keela Cooper (Matt), Robert Harger, Tyler Maione, his sister Lois Hartley, his brother Glen Skogsberg (Sharon), cousin Lonnie Skogsberg (Linda), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dwayne and Laurene have been living at Garden Plaza at Valley View for the past several years.  The family would like to thank the staff of Garden Plaza at Valley View for their kind care and attention to both Mom and Dad.  We know that they will continue to support Laurene in this time of transition. 

Friends and family are invited to attend a drop-in Celebration of Life, July 25th, from 2:00-4:00 at the Franklin Community Church 8499 Highway 20/26, Nampa, ID 83687

In lieu of flowers, Dwayne and his family request that you make a contribution to a charity of your own choice.

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