Gaylord Skulhus Fagerland, Jr.

Gaylord Skulhus Fagerland, Jr., 93, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, in his home in Moorhead.

Gaylord was born on February 13, 1931, to Gaylord Sr., and Gordie (Skulhus) Fagerland in Eleva, WI. He grew up in Eleva, WI, and attended and graduated from Eau Claire High School in Eau Claire, WI. He graduated from St. Olaf College earning a Bachelor of Music while studying under F. Melius Christiansen, and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. He then earned his Master of Arts in organ recital from the University of Minnesota. While attending St. Olaf, he was enrolled in ROTC, and joined the United States Air Force after graduating from the University of Minnesota. He served his country for three years, being stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base before moving to Minneapolis, MN, where he played the organ for local churches. It was here where he met Marlene Larson. They were united in marriage on June 25, 1960, in Minneapolis, MN. They moved to Moorhead, MN, where they raised their three children.

In Moorhead, Gaylord played the organ for Trinity Lutheran Church for a number of years while teaching music for the Moorhead Public Schools. During his time with the schools, he reintroduced and reinvigorated the Moorhead High School Carolers and began the swing choir program. Teaching children and instilling a love of music was one of the greatest joys in his life. He also played the organ for First Congregational Church in Moorhead until his eventual retirement.

Gaylord was a member of the Fargo Moorhead Eagles and Kiwanis. He enjoyed cultivating a vibrant garden and creating numerous works of Norwegian themed needlepoint.

Gaylord is survived by his three children, Peter (Cindy) Fagerland, Anne Marie Booth, and David Fagerland; grandchildren, Jack Fagerland, Brianna Maerz, Nathan (Ashe) Maerz, and Christian (Alexandra) Maerz; great-grandchildren, Mya and Nikko Luxton; sister, Diane Whalen; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marlene, and parents, Gaylord Sr., and Gordie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Gaylord to Disabled American Veterans (dav.org).

Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., followed by the memorial service at 3:00 P.M., Friday, May 17, 2024, at The Lutheran Church of Christ the King, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available on Gaylord’s webpage at www.wrightfuneral.com where a guestbook and video tribute may also be found. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.