With great sorrow the family of Donald Glissmeyer Skabelund announce his transition on June 21, 2023, in the presence of his daughters: Jodi and Alta.
Don was born on May 13, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Gustav Skabelund and Margaret Rose Glissmeyer. He was 84 years old at his passing and the youngest of four children.
Don married Ellen Louise Malmborg on January 14, 1961, enjoying 61 years together until Ellen passed away in June 2022. Don took great pride in his family and especially loved his grandchildren: Christopher, Jennifer, and Ashley (Jodi) and Cody, Brittany, Shelbie, and TJ (Alta). He also cherished his great-grandchildren: Travis and Hunter (Jennifer); Arianna (Christopher); Amaya (Ashley); Pierce and Preston (Cody); Myka and Jayce (Brittany); and Oliver (TJ).
Don was a generous and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who most enjoyed spending time with his family and sharing stories about his life and family ancestry. He was very proud of his Danish (Gustav) and German (Margaret) heritage and was the keeper of many special family heirlooms and treasures. He was a first-generation Skabelund, as his father obtained American citizenship in 1939. Don took joy in being outdoors, making home improvements to the many properties he and Ellen owned, and most of all enjoyed listening to classical compositions of music. During his life, he became a skilled mechanic, carpenter, painter, welder, lawn and irrigation specialist, and was a talented all-around fix-it man.
He was preceded in death by Ellen, his parents, brother and sister, and granddaughter, Shelbie.
Guestbook/Condolences
we miss you so much Dad! Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing you are with our Mother. You are loved so much more than you ever knew! You were a kind and wonderful Dad, grandpa, husband and friend. You will be in our hearts forever ❤️
My Uncle Don was a great man in my life. He always looked after me from the time I was a young boy. I appreciate all the love, experiences, and teaching he provided to me over my life. I will miss him and wish I would have stopped more to see him over the past few years. He will be remembered by me forever.
My prayers go out to Jodi and Alta and all of the family. I know Aunt Ellen was there to welcome him on the other side.
Keeping my cousins, Jodi, Alta and the rest of their families in my thoughts Uncle Don was a great story teller. Hoping the younger generations continue to tell his stories. Hugs and love from Washington!
Oh my goodness, I was so surprised to see this. Don just couldn't last without Ellen. They were true love birds. So grateful to know him and grateful that he had two loving daughters who cared for him. Sending love and condolences, from your second cousin!
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was always kind to me. I hope you find comfort at this difficult time.
Love
Erin Liechty