In Memory of Lauretta F. Skarin

Lauretta F. Skarin, age 92, of Wall Lake, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the Twilight Acres Nursing Home of Wall Lake, Iowa.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Kiron Cemetery of Kiron, Iowa. Rev. Bruce Miller will officiate.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove and Odebolt, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Lauretta Frieda Skarin, the daughter of Frank and Alma (Miller) Dittmer, was born on September 25, 1930, in Holstein, Iowa. She received her education at Holstein High School where she graduated as Valedictorian of her class. 

On January 8, 1950, Lauretta was united in marriage to Elmer Junior Skarin in LeMars, Iowa. The couple made their home in Arthur, Iowa and were blessed with four children: Cheri, Karen, Steve and Lynn. Lauretta was employed as a nurse’s aid at the Hartley Hospital in Battle Creek, IA and then began working at the Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa, where she worked in the central services department until 1974. 

In 1974 Lauretta and Junior moved to Spencer, Iowa. Junior passed away in June 1976. At this time, Lauretta went back to school to further her education and attained a certification in nursing home administration. Upon the completion of her schooling, she was hired by Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, Iowa. Lauretta served as the administrator of Twilight Acres until her retirement. 

Lauretta was a faithful member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, served on the Lions Club and Commercial Club, was active in the Daughters of Peace, and was a past president of the Woman’s Club. She enjoyed crocheting, traveling, golfing, and painting. Over the years, Lauretta created hundreds of paintings as well as murals which helped add more color to the world. Lauretta loved when the whole family would get together and create memories celebrating the Fourth of July at Black Hawk Lake. She especially treasured when her grandchildren would come to spend time with her. She enjoyed taking them to the pool and to the golf course.

Left to cherish her memory include her children Cheri (David) Jespersen of East Lansing, MI; Karen (Rev. Bruce) Miller of Mason City, IA, Steve (Sherri) Skarin of Ida Grove, IA and Lynn (Amy) Skarin of Mitchellville, IA; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way; sister Janet Nielsen of Ida Grove, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Alma Dittmer; her husband Elmer Junior Skarin; brothers Robert and Howard Dittmer; sisters Arlene Mohn, Lois Boldra and Marie Sundene.