Willard V. Skalberg, age 96 of Essex, Iowa Willard Virgil Skalberg was born April 19, 1914 on a farm in Tarkio Township, Page County, Iowa to John Arthur Skalberg and June Victoria Olson. Willard passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Red Oak Good Samaritan Society at the age of 96 years and 2 days. He was raised on farms and attended school in Page County. On December 18, 1937 Willard married Muriel Fay Carlson, daughter of Elmer Edward Carlson and Debra Fern Anderson, at the Red Oak Swedish Mission Church. To this union was born 7 children, Glen LeRoy, John Elmer, Robert Willard, Janice Marie, Larry Lee, Jerry Allan, and Leslie Kenneth. Willard farmed all his life in the Clarinda and Essex areas. In 1981 he retired from farming and purchased a home in Essex. After retirement Willard worked as a night watchman for the Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Shenandoah and later mowed yards. Willard and Muriel attended the Swedish Covenant Church in Fremont and Essex, Iowa. He served on the church board and as treasurer for the church. He also served on the Nyman Cemetery board. Willard enjoyed playing dominos, cards, pool, and bingo at the community centers in Essex and Shenandoah with his friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, who never missed the annual Labor Day, get together in Essex. Willard was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur Victor and Glenden Merral, and four sisters, Vivian Virginia, Margaret Elouise, Marcella Vivian, and Rose Ann, all of whom died in infancy, except for Marcella who died February 15, 1933 at the age of 12. Also preceding him in death are grandsons Gary Brian Peterson, Johnny Lee Skalberg, Ryan Kenneth Skalberg, and John Demaree, and one great granddaughter, Stephanie Young. Willard is survived by his children, Glen and wife Lupe of Rio Vista, California, John of Red Oak, Bob and friend Kathleen Riley of Richfield, Minnesota, Janice Long and husband Kenneth of Red Oak, Larry and wife Marlene of Emerson, Jerry and friend Juanita Eggert of Red Oak, and Leslie and wife Connie of rural Red Oak. 28 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial services for Willard Virgil Skalberg, of Essex will be Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at The Faith Covenant Church, Essex, Iowa with Rev. Jim Ressegieu officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Nyman, Iowa. Memorials to Faith Covenant Church or Essex Fire Department. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.