Doris H Skavhaug

Doris Harriet Skavhaug, 94, of Park River, ND passed away on November 4, 2020. Doris was born on Nov 7, 1925 in Vergas, MN to Gilbert Paul Nelson and Mabel (Johnson) Nelson. She attended Newbre Country School and later attended high school in Southam, ND. She was a member of Sarepta Lutheran Church, rural Adams and Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Park River. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Doris lost her mother when she was 9 years old. She then learned to make bread and other baking which led to her love for baking and cooking throughout her lifetime. She made wonderful buns, kolachi's and cinnamon twists! Doris married Leonard Ellefson on January 25, 1944. They made their home in Edmore, ND. They were blessed with four children: Sheldon Wayne, Randi Kaye, Rodney Lynn and Tammy Rae.   They moved to Lawton, ND where Doris managed and cooked at the Lawton Cafe. She met many wonderful people in Lawton and the surrounding area including the high school kids who came to the cafe after school for a place to hang out. They played the jukebox and danced and Doris sometimes danced with them. They had fun! Doris married Alden Skavhaug of Adams, ND where they made their home and farmed for several years. They were blessed with two sons: Kevin Lynn and Colin Lane. Doris moved to Park River, ND in 1967 where she was head cook at the Walsh County Ag School. She enjoyed her job at the high school and talked about it often during her lifetime.   She loved the students and oftentimes referred to them as 'her kids.' She did custodial work for several businesses in the area. She became a QSP and provided for many people over the years. She loved her clients and their families. Doris enjoyed several hobbies: baking, sewing, music and reading (she especially enjoyed Laurraine Snelling books). She played the guitar, piano and accordian - all by ear! At family gatherings the three Nelson sisters (Doris, Lila & Gladys) would often sing and harmonize while the family gathered and listened. She enjoyed simple carpenty. When she had a project to be done, she enjoyed the challenge. She loved what she did and she did it well. She worked until ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­she was in her late 80's. When Doris lost her son, Rodney Ellefson, in 2014 her heart was broken. She grieved like she loved - very deeply. She moved to the Good Samaritan Home in Park River in 2017 and lived there until the time of her death. She is survived by her children: Sheldon (Barbara) Ellefson, Park River, ND; Randi (Rodney) Bangsund, Morris, MN; Tammy (John) Thelen, Grand Forks, ND; Kevin (Mary) Skavhaug, Park River, ND; Colin Skavhaug, Park River, ND; Grandchildren: Wendy (Chad) Arendt, Park River, ND; Lisa Ellefson, Park River, ND; Lara Ellefson, Park River, ND; Ryan Haroldson, St. Paul, MN; Jeff (Michelle) Haroldson, Excelsior, MN; Chad (Sheri) Haroldson, Sartell, MN; Tara (Kyle) Olson, Leonard, ND; Vanessa Ellefson, Thief River Falls, MN; Jared (Sarah) Wang, Nampa, ID; Jaime (Jeremy) Woinarowicz, Warren, MN; Jordan Wang, Grand Forks, ND; Brenton Magnusson, Mandan, ND; Noah Skavhaug, Grand Forks, ND; Spencer Skavhaug, Grand Forks, ND; Travis (Jen) Skavhaug, Springfield, MO; Lindsey Skavhaug, Devils Lake, ND; several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her brother Gerald (Bob) Nelson of Rapid City, SD. Doris was preceded in death by her son, Rodney Ellefson, her parents, six brothers, two sisters and husbands Leonard Ellefson and Alden Skavhaug. Doris was a loving servant and her generous heart was a blessing to many. She gave out of a love from God. She had a deep faith which she shared with those she loved. She loved her family and friends but above all, she loved the Lord. Funeral services have been postponed until the summer of 2021.