Marcia Lynne Skauge

Marcia Lynne Nelson Skauge, 60, Moorhead, MN, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2012, at home with family, after a battle with breast cancer.Marcia was born on October 24, 1951, to J. William 'Bill' and Phyllis Gilbery Nelson. The oldest of three, she was raised on the family farm west of Kragnes, MN, with her brother and sister. Marcia attended school at Oakmound, Georgetown and Moorhead; graduating from Moorhead High in 1969. She was active in the Oakmound 4-H Club during these years. The skills she learned in 4-H followed through-out her life. She was an expert seamstress, making many dresses for herself and her three daughters, and an avid quilter.She graduated from Concordia College with degrees in Social Work and Psychology, and from Moorhead State College with a teaching degree in Special Education. Marcia married the love of her life, James Skauge, in 1976 at North Buffalo Lutheran Church.She taught Special Education in Caledonia, MN, for five years while Jim completed a nursing degree. She then moved with her husband to Ft. Lewis, WA, teaching Special Education in Tacoma for three years. She also began the hardest job in the Army – an Army Wife.Marcia was a devoted wife and loving mother to her three daughters. She learned to be both a mother and father when her husband was away for training and deployments. She was proud to be an Army Wife.During the next eighteen years, she moved to six different military bases and ten different sets of living quarters. At each base, she was active in the hospital auxiliary, post museums, the officer's wives clubs, her daughter's activities, as well as any other need that arose – when Ft. Riley needed Girl Scout Leader, she happily became the leader for the next five years. All while raising three daughters and working. Marcia was honored with many rewards for all the volunteer hours she gave to support each base. At Christmas she would sew Christmas Stockings to send the newborn infants home in from the hospital. When her husband retired in 1997, the family moved to Moorhead, MN, where Marcia taught in the Moorhead School system for one year. She also worked as a substitute until 2008, when her cancer required her to retire from teaching.Throughout her illness, she never complained, kept a positive outlook on life and always had a smile and laugh for everyone she knew. Marcia loved spending time with her daughters and two grandchildren. She adored her life with Jim, and enjoyed taking trips with him – whether it be in the summer of 2011 when they took a trip to the east coast or simply a drive to Valley City to see the leaves change colors.She loved to quilt, joining a quilting group on each base. She loved traveling, was an avid reader and was always ready to discuss politics. She loved to garden and any activity that involved an adventure. She especially enjoyed crosswords and Scrabble. She loved life, kept active in the community, and was always ready to welcome visitors into her home.Marcia had a strong faith, making sure her family joined a church that fit their needs. Belonging to nine churches during her lifetime, she showed her generous spirit by giving of her time in many different tasks. Director of Sunday school, council member, numerous fund raising committees and whatever needs arose. She was always ready to give of her time and talents.Marcia is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters Molly Brent, Moorhead, MN, Megan, Fargo, ND, Anna, Bismarck, ND; two granddaughters Allie and Brooklyn; her mother Phyllis Nelson, rural Moorhead; brother James Karin Nelson, Brainerd, MN; sister Nancy Marc Valenzuela, rural Moorhead; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, cousins and in-laws – she loved you all.She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Nelson. The family thanks Dr. Gaba, Steph, all the staff at Roger Maris Cancer center, the Seventh Floor staff, the staff on One West and Hospice of the Red River Valley.A special thanks to the Monday Scrabble players, Joan, Kathy and Pat, you made Mondays a special day in Marcia's life.