Watch Julia's funeral service here.

Julia Skaurud, age 73, of Twin Valley passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023 under the loving care of hospice, Viking Manor Nursing Home staff, and her family.

Julia Ann, daughter of Donald Hopper and Pearl (Knowlen) McGuire was born on August 4, 1949, in Minneapolis, MN. She spent her early childhood living and playing in the 7 Corners neighborhood of Minneapolis. In 1961, the family moved to Coon Rapids, MN, where Julia graduated from high school in 1967. Following graduation, Julia worked as a clerk at Woolworths until she visited her grandmother, Rhoda Gill, near Ada, MN. It was there at a barn dance, she met the most wonderful "dirt farmer" and love of her life, Frederick Skaurud. Fred and Julia were united in marriage on May 16, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. The couple moved to Fred's family farm in 1974 where they raised three of their own children and cared for several of Julia's siblings and nieces. Julia also became close to her in-laws, Martin and Nellie Skaurud, and they helped her acclimate to country life and loved her dearly.

Julia became an adept farm wife. She could be found helping milk cows, driving farm trucks and tractors, mowing lawn, cooking for the crew, feeding calves and filling in wherever she was needed. She was a talented seamstress and made many dresses and clothing for her children. In later years, as Fred was working away from the farm, Julia took care of many farm tasks and did what needed to be done. Since she did not grow up on a farm, she was especially proud of these accomplishments.

Julia loved the farm life and was fulfilled as a mother, but she dreamed of going to college and becoming a teacher. At age 40, she enrolled part-time in classes at Moorhead State University for elementary education. With much tenacity and dedication, she proudly graduated in 1994 and began her teaching career. Julia was a compassionate teacher and touched the lives of many of her students and coworkers until she retired. She then enjoyed outings with her retired teacher friends and took on substitute teacher jobs to help local school districts.

Julia was a wonderful and loving grandmother. She would often use her summers off from school to visit family in Virginia and Wyoming and had special relationships with each of her grandkids. Her happy place, especially in recent years, was the lake where she would ride in the boat all day and watch the kids water ski, knee board, and tube.

Julia was an avid quilter and loved to share her work with friends, family, and church. Anything creative or crafty was of interest to her and she spent many hours making barn quilts, drawing, painting designs on clothing, scrapbooking, sewing, and designing bulletin boards for school and church.

Christian faith was the cornerstone of Julia's life. At Trinity Lutheran Church, she served as Active Christian Teens advisor, sang in the choir, helped with the women's groups and in the kitchen. Most importantly, she and Fred instilled a dependence on God into each of her children and other family members. Even in recent years as dementia took hold of her, Julia clung to her faith and trusted that God was working in her life and in those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Frederick Skaurud, of Twin Valley, MN; her children: Christopher (Tina) Skaurud of Moorhead, MN, Nicole (Tony) Kruger of Hawley, MN, Tadd (Darla) Skaurud of West Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Joshua Kruger, McKayla Skaurud, Maya Kruger, Ryleigh Skaurud, Sydney Skaurud, Garrett Skaurud, Kaitlyn Kruger, Lily Skaurud and Annalee Kruger; sisters: Marie (Jerry) Womack of Naples, FL, Kimberly (David) Sorenson of Forest Lake, and Susan McGuire of North Branch, MN; sister-in-law: Margaret Flyberg of Dilworth, MN; brothers: Drake (Beth) McGuire of Fridley and Darren McGuire of Becker, MN; step-sister Marne (Bob) Eggen of Menomenie, WI; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Donald McGuire and Donald Hopper; and her parents-in-law, Martin and Nellie Skaurud.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 7 ^th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm, with a prayer service starting at 4:00pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, MN. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, May 8 ^th at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.