May 8, 2019

Ernest Skjelvik

Ernest Skjelvik, 90, passed away peacefully April 22, 2019, at Hill Top Home of Comfort in Killdeer, N.D.
Ernest was born to Edvind and Louise Skjelvik and grew up 13 miles east of Watford City. In his late teens he went to work for several ranchers in the Watford City area, proudly riding in cattle drives and loving that wild and free life. However, in 1946 he met, fell in love, and married Laverne Griebel, the love of his life. They lived on a ranch near Watford City raising cattle, horses, and farming. Ernest also went on to work many years in the oil field. The couple had one son and later two grandchildren. Ernest and Lavern spent that time farming and ranching, riding horses, gardening, and telling stories of the “Good old days.” They later moved to a ranch near Manning, N.D., where they continued raising cattle, chickens, Guinea hens, cats, and dogs, and enjoying their later years. The couple eventually moved to Hazen where they ran the laundromat. They then retired to Dodge, and later into Hill Top Home of Comfort. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, Edvind and Louise Skjelvik; and brothers, Henry and Arvild.
He is survived and missed by his wife, LaVerne Skjelvik of Killdeer, N.D.; sister, Agnes Johnson, Minneapolis, Minn.,; son, Stephen Skjelvik, Palm Springs, Calif.; granddaughter, Melanie Hoff (Troy); great-grandchildren, Hannah and Lane Hoff; grandson, Christopher Skjelvik and several nephews and nieces.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER