Paul Michael Skarstad

Skarstad, Paul Michael

Paul Michael Skarstad, died peacefully Monday, May 15, 2017 at his home of more than 40 years in Plymouth at age 74.

He leaves his wife of 50 years, Marna (Johnson) Skarstad; his sister, Dorothy Roseth and her husband, Wayne Roseth of Great Falls, MT; his son, Erik Skarstad and his wife, Robin Beck Skarstad of Portland, OR; his daughter, Alida Skarstad Fischbach and her husband, Michael Fischbach of Eden Prairie, MN; five grandchildren; and many other close family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Alida Skarstad, and his sister, Genie Cooley.

Born in Grafton, ND, Paul spent his childhood exploring nature in and around Fargo and Mandan, ND and displaying the infectious curiosity that characterized his life.

After graduating from Moorhead High School in 1961, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1965. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Cornell University in 1972 and did post-doctoral work at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and worked at the U.S. National Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg, MD for one year.

In 1976, he joined a small company named Medtronic from which he retired in 2006. While there he set the highest standards for excellence in scientific discovery, innovation, and mentoring.

His interests outside of science were numerous and varied including cycling, cross-country skiing, skating, bird watching, woodworking, music, poetry, kayaking, and traveling the world. Most important to him were his family and his many friendships.

Should friends desire, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association.

Saturday, June 17, 2017 10:00 AM

St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 Plymouth,

Saturday, June 17, 2017 11:00 AM

St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 Plymouth,

Should friends desire, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association.