Obituary: Kevin Lloyd Skifstad

Kevin Lloyd Skifstad, 67, of Cloquet went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, after a struggle with a rare lung disease.

Kevin was born in Bigfork, Minnesota to Rev. Earl and LaVerne Skifstad. He graduated from Falls High School in International Falls in 1975.

During high school, while at youth group, he met his future wife, Debbie Trexel, whom he married in 1976. They settled in International Falls and raised their three sons: Luke, Jake and Mike.

Kevin worked at Boise Cascade from 1975 until retiring in 2001 after a work-related back injury.

Kevin enjoyed woodworking, music, cards, spending time in the woods, puzzling, and especially being with his family. His woodworking blessed many, and he passed his craftmanship on to his sons.

Kevin and Debbie had the honor of working with their son Jake’s nonprofit, Shield616, equipping and praying over first responders throughout northern Minnesota. Kevin held a deep appreciation for the service and dedication of these men and women.

He spent many years sharing beautiful gospel music across the region with the Masters Men. His friendships with Mike Carney, Earl Sneller, Jim Hummel and Ken Shoberg brought him great joy.

The Skifstad home was frequently filled with friends or family — often both — gathered around a table playing cards, eating, and laughing. Kevin was famous for his gallon ice cream pail malts. He taught his grandkids, and many other children, how to drink malts through a straw.

Kevin and Debbie spent many hours exploring in the woods, “rangering” with their dear friend Jo Rehn and others. A newer hobby of his was extreme puzzling, where he often invited others to join him and convinced them to tackle the solid color sections.

Kevin was a man of great integrity. He had tremendous work ethic, a generous heart, a kind spirit, and was such a blessing to his family and friends.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Earl and LaVerne Skifstad; brothers Donavan and Jim; sisters-in-law Beth Skifstad and Deanna Trexel; brothers-in-law Joel Trexel and Bill Rhodes; and nephews Jason Trexel and Kristofer Trexel.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Debbie, of Cloquet; sons, Luke (Nikki) of International Falls, Jake (Jenna) of Black Forest, Colorado, and Mike (Molly) of Esko; grandchildren, Ben, Braden, Toby, Meg, Troy, Lucy and Henry; brothers Jerry and Curt (Joanie); sisters, Joan (Reynold) Lofgren and Bonnie (Dennis) Clark; brothers-in-law Steve Trexel, Brian (Dawn) Trexel, and Jon (Juanita) Trexel; sisters-in-law Karen Skifstad, Joy Skifstad, Sue (Lee) Smith, and Lisa (Todd) Olsen; more than 100 nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

A private family burial was held on Jan. 17 at the Lindford Riverside Cemetery in Lindford, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 25 at the Evangelical Covenant Church in International Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Shield616.org.