Obituary of James W Skoglund

James W. Skoglund, 75, of Duluth, passed away at his home on Friday, July 3, 2015 with his family by his side. James was born May 19, 1940 to his parents Adolph and Evelyn Skoglund in Roseau, Minn. He was the third oldest of 11 children and was affectionately called "Punky" by family only. His love for Roseau and his times with his grandmother brought many shared stories of times together and her favorite recipes that she would bake. After graduating from Roseau High School in 1958 he entered the Army and served in France during the time of the Berlin Wall going up in 1961. From Aug. 13, 1961 to Nov. 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall separated communist East Berlin from West Berlin. Part of his duty while serving in France was to work with a team to make safe escape routes for the French citizens and Military in case war broke out. A portion of the Berlin Wall was brought back to him by his son Michael who was also serving at time it was being taken down. He was preceded in death by both his parents; his brother Wayne "Sonny" Skoglund, nephew Kurt Benson, and grandson Spencer Skoglund and many others too numerous to mention except for his loving and cherished grandmother, Anna Wickstrom. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janet and their five children, daughter Marie; sons and their wives, Scott (Cathy), Michael (Melody), Mark (Sabrina) and Raymond (Britten); 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was comforted during his illness by his children, their spouses and sisters Janice (Freddie), Linda (Kurt) and Ann and our grandchildren. He safely went from the loving arms of his wife into the loving arms of Jesus Christ. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Together as husband and wife lived that alive promise that was kept and was forever fulfilled. VISITATION: 12 Noon until the 1 p.m. service on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in The River Church 1902 East 4th St. Duluth, Minnesota. Memorials may be sent to honor Jim's commitments to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 or Honor Flight Northland P.O. Box 7229, Duluth, MN 55807-2473. Private interment will be at Park Hill Cemetery 2500 Vermilion Rd. Duluth at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200