Noel "John" Skonard

Noel “John” Skonard, 82, of rural Montevideo, passed away early Sunday morning, September 6, 2026, at his home on the farm, surrounded by the love of his family. 

Memorial services will be held at 10:30am on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Rock Haven Church in Montevideo.

Visitation with the family will be from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Rock Haven Church in Montevideo and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

John was born January 3, 1944, to Julian and Esther (Huseby) Skonard. Although his given name was Noel, he was known throughout his life as John. 

John attended grade school in Watson and later continued his education in Montevideo, graduating from Montevideo High School in 1961.

 John proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967. He attended Navy boot camp in San Diego, California, and continued his training at the Naval Air Station in Millington, Tennessee, and later in Norfolk, Virginia. He attended flight training school in Key West, Florida, where he became an electronics operator in the back of an S2D aircraft. 

In 1963, John was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis as part of the naval blockade. During his Navy career, he was stationed in Norfolk and sailed aboard the USS Randolph and the USS Intrepid. In 1965, he was sent to the Mediterranean, where he had the opportunity to visit France, Italy, and Spain. His final station was Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where he sailed aboard the USS Essex. In 1967, John was honorably discharged and returned home to Montevideo to farm.

 On December 29, 1963, John married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Diane Gothe. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, friendship, devotion, and memories. 

John loved Diane deeply. She was not only his wonderful wife, but also his best friend and lifelong companion. When Diane became ill, John considered it his pleasure and privilege to care for her. He remained devoted to her throughout her illness, caring for her with the same love and dedication that had defined their marriage. 

John and Diane were blessed with two beautiful gifts from God, their children, Cristopher and Heather. They, in turn, blessed John with seven wonderful grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren—and still counting! John was so proud of his family. He treasured each one and took great joy in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and being part of their lives.

 His family was his greatest blessing, and nothing made him prouder than seeing the family he and Diane had created continue to grow through each generation. He loved spending time with them, making memories together, and watching their activities. 

After returning home from his years of military service, John devoted himself to farming in the Montevideo area. Farming was an important part of his life for many years. After retiring from farming, John began a new chapter in his working life as a machine operator at Chandler Industries in Montevideo. He worked there for many years before retiring to devote his time to caring for Diane during her illness.

 John had a gift for working with his hands and became an accomplished woodworker. He created many beautiful and meaningful pieces for his friends and family. Each project was made with care and became something special for those fortunate enough to receive one of his creations. 

John also treasured the many years spent at Lobster Lake, where some of his happiest memories were made. He loved watching his family enjoy camping, fishing, and simply spending quality time together. Those days at the lake were about more than just the outdoors—they were about being together, making memories, and enjoying the people he loved most. 

John’s faith was an important part of his life. He was a believer in Jesus from a young age, and his faith remained a source of strength and comfort throughout his life. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Montevideo. When the church closed, he became a member of Rock Haven Church, where he continued to worship and be part of a church family. 

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane; his son, Cristopher; his great-grandson, Emmett Aker; his parents, Julian and Esther (Huseby) Skonard; his parents-in-law, Casey and Myrlee Gothe; and brothers-in-law Dick Goulson, Ricky Richardson, and Leland Winge.

 He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Steve); daughter-in-law, Julie Skonard; grandchildren Isaac (Jamie) Sulflow, and their children Harper, Rowan, and Beckam; Grace (Bailey) Eickhoff, and their children Emerson, Baker, Saylor, Palmer, and Scottie; Sarah (Brenden) Collins, and their son Everhett; Noelle (Elijah) Aker, and their children Avery and Ellie; Jonah Sulflow (special friend Gretchen Smidt); David (Helen) Skonard, and their daughter Nina; and Ashlie (Logan) Wigton, and their children Carson, Calen, and Colston.

 He is also survived by his sisters, Gail (Ron) Schultz, Judy Winge, Laurie (Roger) Denbrook, and Melanie (Bob) Paavola; sisters-in-law Dawn Goulson and Mary Nell (Gregg) French; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

John lived a life defined by service, hard work, faith, creativity, and—above all—love for his family. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his greatest joy was seeing his family grow. 

John leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through every generation of his family. The memories he created, the lessons he taught, the beautiful things he made with his hands, and the love he gave will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

 John will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by the family he was so very proud of.