Obituary of Mark Skarphol

Cope, Colorado resident Mark Samuel Skarphol passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at his home in Cope. He was 66 years old. Mark was born on March 24, 1948 in Fargo, North Dakota. He was adopted by Bennie and Margaret (Krogen) Skarphol. He was one of 4 children. Mark grew up and attended school through 8th grade in Bottineau, North Dakota. He then attended high school at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN and graduated in 1966. He attended flight school in 1969 and 1970 in Greeley, CO at Emery Aviation where he received his privates and commercial instrument rating. He then started Skarphol Aviation in Frontier Saskatchewan, Canada. On October 5th, 1968, Mark married Opal Thoring in Frontier. To this union, two children, Benjie and Dustin, were born. They resided in Frontier where he farmed and crop-dusted until they moved to Burlington in 1982. Mark was self-employed much of his life. He farmed and crop-dusted for many years. He was employed by Linnebur Grain and Buffalo in Byers, CO for 15 years where he developed lifelong friendships with the entire family. His last flight was for Stratton Equity Coop where he also developed strong relationships with his colleagues. Mark developed excellent relationships with many people that he knew. He attended church at Cope Community Church. Mark was a very spiritual man. He shared his remarkable Christian faith with everyone who knew him. He taught us all the importance of loving the Lord and putting the Lord first. Mark’s passions included woodworking, hunting, fishing, gardening and flying. His greatest joy in life was being with family and playing with his grandchildren. Mark was preceded in death by his parents Bennie and Margaret Skarphol. He is survived by his wife Opal, his children Benjie Skarphol and wife Misty of Burlington, Dustin Skarphol and wife Shauntai of Burlington; grandchildren Paige, Annie, Daxton and Shayd, all of Burlington; 3 sisters, Rebecca Nelson (Arland), Peggy Larson (Matt) and Suzy Labell (Randy).