Service Information
Pastor Thor J. Skeie, age 86, husband of Audrey, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019, at 11:00 A.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church with interment at a later date.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service, all at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Memorials are preferred to any of the following: All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, MN; Luther Seminary; Lutheran World Relief; Litchfield Area Hospice; or to the donor’s choice.
Obituary
Thoralf Jacob Skeie was born on September 16, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Johan and Olina (Onsoien) Skeie. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York. He received his education in Brooklyn and was a graduate of the Fort Hamilton High School class of 1949. He furthered his education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota for four years. He then received his Theological degree at Luther Theological Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota. Thor was ordained at Trinity Lutheran in Brooklyn, NY on June 23, 1957. His first call to be a Pastor was at a 3-point parish for 4 years (1957-1961) in Benson, Minnesota. He also served 7 years (1961-1968) at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia, Minnesota, 27 years (1968-1996) at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota, where he retired October 1, 1996. He continued in ministry part-time for 10 years (1996-2007) at All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minnesota, and 11 years (2004-2015) as a visitation pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Thor also was a very active member on the Hutchinson Medical Center Board, along with the Hutchinson Hockey Association Board and Aveyron Homes Board, and served as the Hutchinson City Police Chaplain from 1997-2015.
Thor served with the United States Naval Reserve from June 9, 1953, to June 23, 1967, achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
On June 8, 1956, Thor was united in marriage to Audrey Eid at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Peter, Eric, and Kirsten. They shared 62 years of marriage.
Thor was known as a kind, full of grace, generous, intelligent man who inspired people with his faith and hope in God. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, pastor, teacher, police chaplain, and friend. He was serious about his work for the Lord, but he was also known for his sense of humor and amiable personality. His grandchildren remember him as one who comforts and forgives and cracks a joke at the same time. Thor enjoyed reading, traveling, fishing, and crossword puzzles. He especially enjoyed watching baseball and spending time with his family and friends. Thor loved the time spent at the Good Eidea Cottage overlooking Walker and Ottertail Lakes, playing on the water, playing “Don’t get mad” and “Phase 10” or playing anything with his grandchildren.
Thor passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson at the age of 86 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Thor is survived by his:
Wife, Audrey Skeie of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Peter Skeie and his life partner Anita Wadhwani of Nashville, TN,
Eric Skeie and his wife, Jennifer, of Olivia, MN,
Kirsten Irey and her husband, Patrick, of Bismarck, ND;
Grandchildren, Cooper, Wyatt, Cody, and Lillybelle Skeie, Jacob, Jordan, and Elsa Skeie, Ty and Greyson Farnsworth;
Brother, John Skeie and his wife, Barbara, of Plymouth, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Lois Eid of Minneapolis, MN;
Brother-In-Law, Luthard Eid of Port Huron, MI;
Many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Thor was preceded in death by his parents, Johan and Olina Skeie.
Don and Donna Jannicke says
Deepest sympathies to the entire Skeie family.
Don and Donna Jannicke
Laurel McKeever says
Audrey and Family,
I celebrate with you knowing that Thor is standing tall, speaking loud, and feeling no pain in the presence of his Lord and Savior!
My heart aches and I shed a tear for you as we wait to see him again. He was An Amazing man of God and such a role model for my boys these past six years. We miss you as neighbors But know Thor is HOME now.
In HIS love,
Laurel, Matthew, and Mitchell McKeever.
Andrea Kay Koenig says
We appreciate all of the years we have known Thor. He was a kind and loving friend. It was Arnie’s pleasure to give him a ride twice a month to the River of Hope Bible Study at Dunn Brothers Coffee Shop for the last couple of years when Thor was able to be out and about. He always had so much wisdom to share. Audrey, we love you~~~Thor is now at the feet of Jesus, a place we all yearn to be.
Arnie and Andy Koenig
Mara (Popp) Jahnke says
My condolences to the Skeie family. Lifting you up in prayer during this difficult time.
Gayle Grunig Tangen says
I am so sorry for your loss. My confirmation class at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia, MN was his first for him in Trinity. All of us kids were so blessed to have a man who showed so much enthusiasm and love sharing the word of God. None of us forgot how much he loved to preach. It was his passion.
Just think, he heard the special blessing, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share the Master’s happiness!”
My Dad and Mom are greeting him with pure joy.
Jeri Jo A Redman says
He was a kind boss and good to me. Blessings to you all.
Corinne Johnson says
My childhood is indelibly marked by the kindness and inspiration of Pastor Skeie! Bless the entire family and thank you for sharing your husband and father with the family at Faith Lutheran! I haven’t lived in Hutchinson for over 40 years, but my time at church and church camp was shaped by Thor’s gracious and wonderfully playful guidance.
Barbara peryam says
Dear Audrey and family…….
Such a hole Thor leaves for us here on earth. But what joy he has gained being at his Lord and Saviors table! We know we’ll meet again. Our family loves you all dearly.
In God’s love
Barb Tapper Peryam,
Ryan Bonniwell family
Jenny Kosar family
Cindy mcVenens says
Pastor Skeie married us in 1984 in Hutchinson. He will be missed. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Cindy and Tim.McVenes
Gay ellingsberg says
He was the best pastor of my younger years. Actually sat for their kids while in high school. Sorry for your loss.
Jan O says
Pastor Skeie was my pastor in Madelia and was especially influential in confirmation class where I came to know God as real and alive in my life. I have thought of Pastor often and feel blessed to have known him! Heaven is rejoicing and I pray fond memories bring smiles as you rejoice in his Home going!
Nancy and Wes Greve and family says
My family and I have know Pastor Thor Skeie since 1972. We were members of Faith Lutheran when he was pastor there. As Visitation Pastor at Christ the King Lutheran he visited us several times. I was on staff at Faith Lutheran during Pastor Skeie’s time there. I served as the Parish Education person. All who have known Pastor Skeie held him in very high regard. We will miss him greatly. His memory blesses us greatly. Rest in Peace!
Harriet Kjellberg says
Our sympathies to you all.
Anders and Harriet
Claire Woelfel says
We are so sorry for your loss. Pastor Skeie was an important part of our children’s lives throughout their confirmation years and we all learned so much from him. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy, Claire and Glenn Woelfel
James Stordahl says
During a confirmation class, or sometime after, a few of us guys turned his little foreign car sideways in his garage…I can’t remember if he ever scolded us for that immature stunt.
Lyle Willock says
Sincere sympathies and condolences to the Skeie family. I was 1963 confirmation class with Pastor Skeie. Much respect for him, remembered him many times over the years. God bless.
Arlene Zimmerman says
My deepest sympathy to the Skeie family, Thor was a caring person and always made time for you. Hugs and blessing to all.
Arlene Zimmerman
Cindy karg says
A great man!! After Easter at the floral shop I would give him if any left, Easter lilies. He would plant them outside and always share how much they had grown. I always enjoyed our visits. Heart felt sympathies to all! Cindy
Julie Uplinger says
Audrey and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Pastor Skeie’s death. I have wonderful memories of your family growing up in Madelia and appreciated Pastor Skeie’s advice.
You will be in our prayers.
Julie Ufer Uplinger
Robert Uplinger
Larry Graf says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Thor was a great man. Have many fond memories with him!
Mardi Miller says
Audrey, Peter, Eric and Kirsten,
Thor was such a wonderful man. He was with our family through so many important occasions – baptisms, confirmations, and marriages to name a few. We are grateful for his influence in our lives. I’m comforted knowing Thor and Sedona went to heaven together on the same day.
Pat and Joy May says
Thor confirmed my wife, married us, and baptized our three children. When we married I was catholic, we wanted to raise our children in the same church, Thor was the reason I chose to convert to Lutheran, He made the choice so easy. A Great Pastor, friend and human being. Thank you Audrey, Peter, Eric and Kirsten for sharing him with all who were fortunate enough to know Him.
BT Nguyen says
To the family of Our beloved Pastor Skeie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pastor Skeie is gone from our sight, but never our memories.
I have spent the last several days thinking of him and his impact on our lives. Pastor Skeie was the first Pastor that welcomed our families to America and brought us to Hutchinson in 1975. His ministry, compassion and servant leadership transcended barriers and led to relief efforts and outreach programs in the local community to sponsor 3 Vietnamese families of 26 members.
Pastor Skeie was influential to my education. I attended Hutchinson High School for one year and went on to St. Olaf College in 1976. I’m forever grateful for his insightful concern and encouragement.
Pastor Skeie will be greatly missed. His ministry legacy will be a source of hope and inspiration for many years to come.
BT Nguyen
Catherine Madson says
Thankyou for telling us about the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and teaching about the way to heaven.
Judy Sweno says
God got a good one when he called Pastor Thor home. I remember when we as a congregation voted to have him come out of retirement to be our minister at All Saints Lutheran in Darwin. The vote was unanimous !!! When I stood up and told everyone that I was marrying the man next to me – “He’s half Norwegian.” When I greeted Pastor Thor later on, he said, “Audrey told me that he’s half good then !!!”
Pastor Thor was a gift. He will be sorely missed by so very many. He always had a smile and cute little story to share. May his memory be blessed and God bless ALL of his family and friends.
Your friend in Jesus,
Judy Sweno
Jack Kjos says
Thor, what a good friend. Will be missed, but in my memory’s he will be with me always.
He and I moved to Hutchinson at the same time in 1967 or 8. Jane and I left Hutchinson in 1972 than moved back in 1977, As a friend he was right there to help unload the truck. One always felt good when he was around.
Rolf Svanoe says
Audrey, so sad to learn of Thor’s passing. He was a great supervising pastor on internship at Faith Lutheran 1980-1981. He was a mentor and friend at the beginning of my ministry, and i will always be grateful for his guidance. God bless you with memories of the many people whose lives he touched.
Rev. Dr. Paul N. Svingen says
Thor was my first confirmation teacher at Lake Hazel Lutheran Church in Benson, Mn. Surely he was one of the influences that led me to St. Olaf and after 4 years there to Luther Seminary where I received my M. Div. and my D. Min. He was an engaging preacher and I am grateful for his ministry to my parents and our whole family. Coming to Benson, Mn. from the Bronx, and liking it there as his first call was no small thing. I am now 44 years ordained and beginning my 37th intentional interim pastorate in late August. Thor knew of my special commitment to the ELCA and intentional interim ministry and supported me in it. My condolences to Audrey and the whole Skeie family. We were all blessed by Thor’s grace.