RLF "Gus" Skovgard

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”.

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