Jorice Skoglund

Jorice was born in Duluth on April 20, 1927 to Carl and Nina (Kleven) Skoglund. He spent his early years in the company of his many Scandinavian relatives learning a good work ethic and resourcefulness. Music was always present as his father, Carl, played the accordion in bands and at family gatherings.
During World War II, Jorice moved with his sister, Darlene and parents to Fort Wayne, Indiana. His father Carl supported the war effort by his work at Zalner Pistons and mother Nina as a "Rosie the riveter." They also built their brick home and driveway from the dismantled schoolhouse. The house is still standing. Jorice was sent to Minnesota by train in the summer months to stay with relatives. Although spending was tight, Nina sewed for the family and Carl's accordion gigs brought in extra money.

Upon returning to Minnesota after the war, Jorice worked farming near Braham, Minnesota. During that time he met the love of his life, Vivian Nelson of Grasston, Minnesota. One of their favorite activities was dancing to old time music, polkas and waltzes at local taverns. Their marriage took place in 1949 at the Swedish Covenant Church on 8th Street and Chicago Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. Early married years were in south Minneapolis before moving to a small home on Silver Lake in New Brighton with young children, Steven and Sandra. A tornado the summer of 1951 completely destroyed their home, car and belongings. With the help of the Salvation Army, Jorice and Vivian were able to reestablish their home in a garage apartment in Spring Lake Park. In 1953 they moved to their forever home in Blaine and children, Cheryl and Michael were born. Over the years Jorice was able to do home renovations to accommodate his growing family and added a garage workshop. Jorice and Vivian were seldom away from each other. They did take an annual deer hunting trip without kids, Jorice hunting, Vivian cooking. Summer garage picnics with family and friends were frequent. In his younger years Jorice was also active in Masons and Shriners and could be counted on to lend a tool or hand for a project.

In the mid 60's Jorice built the family cabin near Grand Rapids with the help of many family friends and neighbors. For over 50 years, 5 generations of the Skoglund family have enjoyed the cabin and lifelong friendships formed with our lake neighbors. Jorice, also known to most as Skogie, could be counted on to provide as needed form his well-stocked toolshed. Many hours were spent on the deck with a beer and conversation. He managed to have quiet time fishing. Until last year, Jorice jumped in the lake daily.

As empty nesters, Jorice and Vivian took a few cruises and were happy spending time with grandchildren. Jorice retired in 1989 from Suburban Plumbing Supply. He always said "retirement was the best thing I ever did." During the spring, summer and fall Jorice and Vivian divided their time between the cabin and home. They were also able to take road trips to see family and friends out of Minnesota. In the summer of 2009 to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, Jorice and Vivian took a 13 day trip to Alaska with their daughters and son-in-law's, by boat, train and bus. He said "I can hardly believe I'm here." He ate heartily of Alaskan fish and chips.

Creating household objects, bird feeders and yard decorations in his garage workshop kept him busy. He had to be doing something all the time, although he would sit down to watch a good western. A battle raged in the back yard between Jorice and the squirrels. He was not fond of their digging in the yard or robbing the bird feeders.

Due to declining health, Jorice entered Johanna Shores Care Center on August 12, 2016 where he received loving care and was given the nicknames of Mr. Skogie and Jo. Jorice passed away on December 10, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife, Vivian, of 67 years; children, Steven Skoglund, Sandra (Bart) Lossing, Cheryl (Richard) Hruby, and Michael (Roni) Skoglund; grandchildren, Christy (Aaron) Itkonen, Anna (Josh) Hoheisel, Samantha (Robert) Langston, Carl (Jenna) Skoglund; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Mya Hoheisel, Hayden, Averie and Abel Langston, and Landon, Lucy and Jackson Skoglund as well as 3 step-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, with a visitation one hour prior.