Craig Skretvedt

Craig Bryant Skretvedt, 63, of Crookston, Minnesota, died Monday, August 20, 2012, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Craig was born at St. Vincent's Hospital in Crookston on October 26, 1948, to Gordon O. and Janet (Lee) Skretvedt of Ada, Minnesota. Craig spent his early years in Crookston, and the family later moved to Ada, Minnesota. Graduating with Ada High School's class of 1966, he attended Moorhead State University, later enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving as a medical corpsman. After an honorable discharge from his Navy service, he returned to Crookston and attended Agassiz Valley School of Practical Nursing. He worked as an EMT for Polk County Ambulance Service, and after becoming a licensed practical nurse, he worked at Riverview Hospital. Craig married Patricia Proulx in 1976. From their marriage of seven years, he became the proud father of three sons. While in high school he enjoyed wrestling and life guarding, and in later life he enjoyed artistic expression through sketch work and string art. He nurtured a lifelong passion in pursuit of the aesthetics of Chess. Although never interested in recognition for the skill he developed at the game, his son, Andrew, is quite confident that Craig could have at one time achieved a Class A player's ranking, two levels below national master. His enthusiasm for the game always animated those whom he played against. He used the game to reinvigorate the spirit of the elderly, and in children's chess programs, he was a popular and sought after teacher, opponent, and friend. He is survived by his sons: Andrew T. (Jane Hoesly) Skretvedt of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Dr. John P. (Rachel Jacobson) Skretvedt of Willmar, Minnesota; and Philip J. Skretvedt of Saint Paul, Minnesota. He is also survived by three young grandchildren from son John and wife Rachel: Paul B., Jacob G., and Jillian C. Skretvedt. Further surviving him are: his parents, Gordon and Janet of Ada, Minnesota; his siblings Meridee Hodges of Chicago, Illinois; Kristi and brother-in-law Jack Tsahalis and nephew Jackson of Eagan, Minnesota; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Craig was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tommy and Lillian (Lee) Skretvedt, and Even and Ragna (Noto) Lee; and two siblings, whom he treasured, Colleen R. (March 25, 1952 – December 24, 1970) and Ronald L. (March 22, 1946 – April 2, 1976).

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, August 24, 2012
Service
Friday, August 24, 2012
cemetery
Saturday, August 25, 2012