RLF "Gus" Skovgard
December 24, 2015
Raymond Lee Ferris “Gus” Skovgard died Thursday, December 24, 2015 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines from Pancreatic Cancer. He was born August 6, 1946 in Quantico, VA to Patricia Jean Krink Ferris and Wesley Raymond Ferris. Gus grew up in Sheffield, Iowa with his younger brother, Charles Robert Patrick Skovgard, under the loving care and direction of his mom, Patricia, and his step-father Robert W. Skovgard. When he came of age, Gus legally added Skovgard as his last name to reflect his gratitude to the man who had helped raise him.
Butch, as he was known while growing up in Sheffield, loved playing whatever sport was in season. He graduated from Sheffield-Chapin (now Westfork) High School. In addition to earning a BA at Simpson College, he also got a new nickname, Gus, and met his best friend and love of his life, his wife, Karen Raye Kinsinger Skovgard
Gus served as an air intelligence officer in the Navy assigned to attack squadron VA-176. He worked as a government affairs manager for the Mason City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa Utility Association, and MidAmerican Energy (formerly Iowa Public Service, Midwest Energy). He served on numerous professional boards and committees. He was a member of Lions Club and Rotary International. He also enjoyed watching sports, playing golf and attending his grandchildren’s events.
Gus is survived by his wife, Karen; and their children and spouses, Erik Wells Skovgard (Janean) of Reinbeck, IA and Joselyn Amanda Beckstrom (Brian) of Waverly, IA. Erik and Janean’s children are Mason and Reagan Skovgard. Josie and Brian’s children are Soren and Linnea Beckstrom. Gus is also survived by his mother, Patricia Skovgard and brother, Charles Skovgard. Along with a host of other family members and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Raymond Ferris; his step-father, Robert Warren Skovgard; and his step-mother, Ruth Ferris.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines with interment to occur at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Family will greet friends Tuesday from 5:00 to7:00 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Self-Help International, 703 2nd Ave NW, Waverly, Iowa 50677 or at nora@selfhelpinternational.org, Taylor House Hospice or New Hope United Methodist Church in loving memory of Gus. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Gus might want us to say what Dandy Don used to sing on Monday night football “Turn out the light, the party’s is over”. Or one he loved from Jerry Lee Lewis, “From the rocking of the cradle to the rolling of the hearse, the going up was worth the coming down”. But most likely he would quote the king and say, “Thank you. Thank you all very much”.
Lisa Becker
01/07/2016
Karen,
Please accept my sincerest condolences at this time. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Lisa
Jeff Courter
01/06/2016
Gus was a legendary member of Des Moines A.M. Rotary with a huge personality and sense of humor. He was also a fellow golf addict who never gave up striving to master that crazy game. Now he's playing daily at Heavenly Acres Golf Links. Gus, thanks for being a great member of DMAM Rotary. We will all see you again some day in the distant future...and I'll want 1 stroke a side :)
Elaine Lubkeman
12/31/2015
You have my deepest sympathy, I graduated with "Butch" and am so glad that I made it to the last class reunion and was able to visit with him. It doesn't seem possible that he is gone. You and your family will be in my prayers. May God grant you the peace and comfort that you need at this time.
David Moore
12/30/2015
Karen, So sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to your family.
Jim Wilson
12/29/2015
To Karen and family; I was saddened to read in the Des Moines Register the notice of Gus' passing. He was a valued colleague when we worked together in the utility business. I know his family was the focal point of his world; please take comfort in the good times and memories you had.
Janet Forinash
12/29/2015
Dear Skovgard Family, my heart is with you. Reading the lines you wrote, the quotes, I had to smile. Such a fitting tribute. I can hear Gus' voice, saying them all... I loved his wit and humor, and it was always very evident to me how much he loved and cared for each of you. Love and prayers.
Joan Rodemeyer Johnson
12/28/2015
I was shocked to hear of Butch's passing. He was neighbor, cousin and pal growing up. My sympathy to the family.
Pastor Joyce Sandberg
12/28/2015
Josie and Brian, Soren and Linnea - May God bless you with good memories of your times with Gus. And may the hope that Jesus brings to us help you when you are sad. All of St. Paul's will keep praying for you and your family.
Dick Stoffer
12/28/2015
Gus or Butch, or the Claydigger as I called him, was the most constant friend in my life, from my childhood to just recently, we always crossed paths, our love of our hometown, our College, our love of politics and family. What a friend and big brother he was to me. My sympathies to Karen and family.
Greg Elden
12/27/2015
Very sorry to hear that Gus passed. I worked with Gus for many years at MidAmerican. I always enjoyed his wit and humor. My condolences to the family
Gary and Lois Anne Naylor
12/27/2015
Karen,
We were shocked and saddened when we saw Gus' obituary in the paper today. I/we remember both of you from our days at Simpson and I enjoyed our time together on the baseball diamond. We weren't very good, but we had a great time!
Les and Shirley Juon
12/27/2015
Our daughter Missie relayed the message that Gus passed and we are thinking of you at this time.
We had many laughs with him and enjoyed seeing what he might have us say. Hugs and blessings at this time. Our sympathy.
Phil and Ruth Akin
12/27/2015
Erik, Ruth and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our heart felt sympathy and caring prayers for you and all of your family.
"I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you." Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Steve Van Every
12/27/2015
Karen and family, I was very saddened to see Gus' name today in the obituaries. I am so glad I had the opportunity to come over with Karl and Steve to see you and Gus. We formed a bond those several years ago playing together at Jester Park Golf, and I will miss his friendship, humor, and laughter as we attempted to master the game. Godspeed Squid!
Donna Robinson Andreessen
12/27/2015
I am so sorry to learn of "Butch's" death!!! I have many fond memories of our dating years, many long years ago (high school). Please accept my deepest sympathy!!