Donald Emanuel Skabelund
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Donald Emanuel Skabelund
April 25 1929 – January 7, 2018
Born in Logan, UT
Resided for many years in Albuquerque, NM
Passed away in Lawrence, KS
Donald Emanuel Skabelund, 88, died after a long decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease. “Don” was predeceased by his parents Emanuel and Evelyn (née Olson) Skabelund and brothers Dean and Elmer. He leaves to mourn him his wife Dana (née Tucker) Skabelund, daughters Alyson Von Feldt (Douglas Von Feldt) and Anhara Disko, and grandchildren Jacob Von Feldt, Sophia Von Feldt, Meredith Von Feldt, Aidan Von Feldt, and Ashtyn Webb.
His family knew him as a kind and selfless man. He was a seeker of knowledge–a UNM professor of physics and history. He was fascinated by all things and surrounded by books. He was a lover of animals, a hiker, a gardener, and a devout man of faith. He entertained with his jolly wit.
He will be beloved forever and deeply missed.
I was very fortunate to be a student in one of Professor Skabelund’s history classes, in the late 1980s. He was a dedicated teacher, gently humorous, deeply learned. One time he remarked upon the correct pronunciation of “schism”, which I have always remembered. It was just this evening I happened to remember his lectures, his sonorous and kind voice, and the atmosphere of calm that prevailed in his classroom. I realize that, unconsciously, I have often tried to emulate his manner when I find myself teaching a lesson or helping a younger person understand something. As ever from my dilatory college years, I wish I had been the attentive and adept student that Professor Skabelund deserved. Wishing his family the best.
Eric Bourland
UNM
I was blessed to know him in the church, and as a student at UNM. I was thinking about him today and had not realized he had passed away. He was a wonderful man and a great teacher.
Thinking of the family. We share great great grand grandparents on the Betts (Tucker)side of the family.
Betsy Cottingham