Lynn Carlyle Skilbred

Lynn Carlyle Skilbred died at Ecumen Pathstone on Thursday, April 25, 2024 in Mankato, MN after a lengthy battle with COPD.

He was born on June 18, 1945 in Alameda, CA to Harold and Phyllis (Knudson) Skilbred. After his father completed his service with the US Navy, the three of them moved to Minnesota. Lynn attended school in St. Cloud, MN where he played the trombone and sang in the choir. His family moved to Glenwood, MN and he graduated Glenwood High School in 1963.

He went on to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After completing one semester, he decided to pause his education and signed up for the military, rather than waiting to be drafted. He joined the US Air Force and served his country until 1968, when his was honorably discharged. Lynn returned home to Glenwood, MN and attended classes at Alexandria Technical College and received a degree in Sales and Marketing. He met the love of his life, Sally, at The Minnewaska House in Glenwood, where she was a waitress. They were united in marriage on July 18, 1970. Lynn and Sally moved around the state of MN before deciding to settle in Alexandria, which is where they raised their two children, Danielle and Matthew.

Lynn was a salesperson for costume jewelry for the majority of his career. He traveled during the week, but was always home on the weekends. Lynn also worked for Medi-Van where he transported clients to and from medical appointments. Being on the road driving, was his happy place. He always drove during any type of road trip or excursion with his family.

His interests included watching sports on TV-especially the MN Vikings and MN Twins. Once he retired, he enjoyed spending more time with his grandchildren, doing puzzles and taking a “drive” in his scooter.

He is survived by his daughter Danielle Senn of North Mankato, MN; son Matthew (Amy) of Sioux Falls, SD; sister Elaine (Doug) Dobson of Glenwood, MN; brother David (Nancy) of Oakdale, MN; five grandchildren: Lillian, Isaac and Jocelyn Senn and Elyse and Elijah Skilbred. He was preceded in death by his wife Sally; father Harold and mother Phyllis.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Skilbred, Danielle Senn, Jeremy Ellanson, Lillian Senn, Isaac Senn and Elijah Skilbred.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a sharing of memory’s starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary.

Internment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Danielle and Matthew would like to send a huge thank you to the Hospice staff, the staff in the 3400 wing and all the other staff that worked with our Dad in any way! They always made our Dad feel special and welcome. During his final days, they were especially helpful to us and made sure Dad was as comfortable as possible and not in pain. They were with us to explain what was going on, asking us if we needed anything, and being so supportive to us during this difficult