Donald Skartved

SSG Donald Skartved, a man who was given no middle name upon his birth on October 1, 1937, endeavored to make a name for himself in this world. He was the son of Knut and Neva Marie (Jimison) Skartved and was raised at the family homestead by the Yellowstone River in Glendive, MT, until he was placed in the home of Merlin and Myrtle Bouchard. There, he learned more about farming, ranching, how to drive farm machinery, and how to fix things. His restless spirit drove him to join the carnival, which he enjoyed because he got to work with the racing ponies. He found that he still wanted more, so on January 4, 1955, he joined the Air Force. After 9 months of service and with a single stripe on his arm, Donald became the maintenance sergeant overseeing the fleet of F86 F Sabre Fighters. He served with honors in Korea and Vietnam, eventually serving with the 507th Medical Squadron. One of his favorite places to be stationed was Japan. Don met his wife, Jane Marie (Hill) in Texas where she was working at a local diner. He came in, hungry, seeking comfort food, and asked if she knew how to make an egg burger. She did, of course, and he married her 6 months later. He and Jane went to France and moved to many bases in the United States. Don and Jane welcomed three children while he served in the Air Force: Scott, Eric, and Dean. Retirement from the Air Force was not pleasant at all for Donald. He worked as a civilian at Dupont in Chicago, Illinois, making explosives, but having to make his way to work through angry Vietnam War protestors was wearying. He wanted to go back into the Air Force, but that request could not be accommodated. The Army, however, was more than happy to recruit him. He lost one stripe in the bargain but was once again in the service of the United States of America and found his way back to Vietnam. He served as the only fixed wing mechanic and inspector of the 101st Airborne Division, the Screamin’ Eagles. He always laughed when he told us about being a fixed wing mechanic working on helicopters. But there was an old saying in the 101st, “If Skartved didn’t inspect it, it wasn’t inspected.” After leaving Vietnam again, Don settled down with Jane and the boys in San Antonio, Texas, where they welcomed their fourth child, Sue. In April of 1976, they moved to Glendive, MT, where they made their home across the pasture from the old homestead where his stepfather, Jacob, lived. Donald worked for Hagenston’s Hardware, co-founded D&M Sprinkler Service, worked with Crisafulli, and eventually started Taxi-One. He loved serving the community, especially helping the ladies he would take in the senior citizen bus. They loved him too, often baking him special cookies and treats to take home. He worked later on a road construction crew with Louie Byron and was delighted that he got to work on a road in Lawrence Welk’s hometown. Donald lived a life that was full and meaningful. His legacy is one of service and sacrifice, and he did both with honor and distinction. He was willing to drop everything to help his children, his brothers or sister, or any number of little ladies around town fix appliances, cars, or even build a home. He loved to tinker with farm equipment and make new machines out of pieces and parts of other implements when he wasn’t swathing or baling hay or chopping wood. Donald passed away at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive on February 18, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Knut, his mother, Neva, his stepfather, Jacob, foster parents Merlin and Myrtle Bouchard, his brothers Vernon, Harold, and John, his wife of 49 years, Jane, and his special son, Dean. He is survived by his brother, Edward (Glenda), his sister, Nora, his sons Scott (Carrie), Eric (Shana), and his daughter, Sue (Jerod). He is survived also by his grandchildren: Jasmine, Josh, Justin, Jessi, Trevor, Raegan, Connor, Emma, Lilly, and Gannon, and six great grandchildren. Donald will be greatly missed, but we endeavor to carry his legacy of service and sacrifice with us and hold his memory in our hearts. A private family service is scheduled for March 14, 2025. Silha Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Donald Skartved

October 1, 1937 - February 18, 2025

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Donald Skartved

October 1, 1937 - February 18, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support