Funeral Service for Halvor A. Skaarhaug, 76, of Grenville, SD will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church, 44844 123 ^rd Street, Eden, SD with Pastor Paul Kosel officiating. Military Rites will be performed by Woodrow Wilson Keeble American Legion Post #314. Pallbearers will be Matt Mattson, Cedric Jensen, Dana Benike, Todd Pistorius, Trestin Pistorius, Jason Arndt. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kenny Snaza family, Dennis Okroi, Kenny Okroi, Matt, Mark, and Mavis Mattson, and all of Halvor's grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and family. Interment will be at Zoar Lutheran Cemetery, Grenville, SD. Halvor passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at Tekakwitha Living Center in Sisseton, SD.

Halvor was born on September 5, 1942 in Webster, SD to Nels and Clara (Tystad) Skaarhaug. He attended country school and then Sisseton High School graduating in 1960. Halvor went to one year of college in Springfield, SD before joining the United States Army on March 7, 1961. He retired from the United States Army on April 30, 1984 as a SGM. During his time in the Army, he was stationed in Germany where he met his first wife Helga and to that union they had a daughter, Debra. Halvor spent two full tours in Vietnam and then returned back to Germany in 1971 where he met his second wife also named Helga. To this union they had a daughter, Sonja.  During his 23 years of service to his country he earned the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Good Conduct Medal (7), Over Seas Service Bars (4), Service Strips (4), Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, MUC (1 ^st -4 ^th Award), VN Defensive, TET Counteroffensive; 69 Counteroffensive, VN Counteroffensive, VN Counteroffensive Phase II, IV, V, and VI, Expert Badge w/rifle bar, Army Commendation Medal (20LC), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (5), Expert Badge (M-16).

Halvor enjoyed his retirement from the US Army but stayed very busy working various construction jobs as a carpenter, plumber, crane operator, construction supervisor, a farmer, and a dog and cat breeder. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting, collecting Henry Rifles with his grandson and had a collection of pennies.   He was also known for handing out two dollar bills.

Halvor is survived by his daughters, Sonja (Mike) Jensen of Watertown, SD, Debra Schmitz and Mavaega Tuiolosega of Tacoma, WA; step-son Peter (Ida) Simon of Leesburg, VA; a sister Susanne Crandall of Lidgerwood, ND; grandchildren Cedric (Jasmine) Jensen, Kirsten Jensen, Christylee Jensen, Jessica Tuiolosega, Natasha Joyner & family, Dr. Pete Simon & Family; great grandchildren Chase, Brooklyn, Kingsley,and Kashten Jensen; long time friends Matt, Mark, and Mavis Mattson; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles.

Halvor was preceded in death by his parents Nels and Clara Skaarhaug; brothers Neil and Leif Skaarhaug, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.