Melvin "Luther" Skogen

Melvin “Luther” Skogen, 79, of Alexandria, MN, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024. He was surrounded by his family as he passed on to his eternal home. Melvin Luther Skogen was born September 15, 1945, in Valley City, ND to Melvin and Ardell (Lassey) Skogen. He grew up the oldest of three children on a farm west of Valley City. Luther, as everyone called him, graduated from Valley City College High in 1963. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in education from Valley City State Teacher’s College in 1968. Luther served in the North Dakota National Guard. Luther taught Geography and Physical Education in Fingal, ND. He also served as the head boys’ basketball coach in which he coached several winning teams. Luther went on to work at Valley City State University as the V-500 and Alumni Director. Luther was also an avid farmer. He farmed for several years with his brother. On September 18, 1965, Luther was united in marriage to Linda Sowden. Luther and Linda met in kindergarten and spent almost 56 years together as a happily married couple. They raised their two children in Valley City, ND. In 2019, they moved to Alexandria, MN to be close to their daughter and her family. They wintered in Mesa, AZ. Luther enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an avid fan of the MN Twins and MN Vikings. Luther is survived by his daughter, Sara (Jeremy) Anderson, Alexandria, MN; and two grandchildren, Lauren and Madeline Anderson, Alexandria, MN. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Heather Skogen, Grand Forks, ND; a sister and brother-in-law Carol and Jerry Meyers, Erie, ND; and a brother and sister-in-law, Allan and Janelle Skogen, Bozeman, MT. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Luther was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his son, Matthew Skogen; his parents Melvin and Ardell Skogen; and his nephew, Chad Meyers. He will be greeted by all his family as enters his eternal home. The family will have a private funeral service for Luther on Friday, October 11th. The family would like to invite Luther’s friends to join them at a Celebration of Life for Luther from 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM, on Friday, October 11th at the Valley City, Country Club. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that memorials be directed to: The Renovation of McCarthy Hall at VCSU (Linda’s Library) in c/o VCSU Foundation.

Melvin "Luther" Skogen

September 15, 1945 - September 26, 2024