Alice Cora Skarsten
December 1, 1937 • August 13, 2024
Alice C. Skarsten, 86, of Benson, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Centra Care – Benson Hospital in Benson. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Benson City Cemetery.
Alice Cora Skarsten was born on December 1, 1937, in Swenoda Township, Swift County, the youngest daughter of Ole and Edna (Dale) Larson. She was baptized at Trinity of Swenoda Lutheran Church by Rev. MO Andrews. She was confirmed in 1952 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church by Rev. Harold Nasheim.
She attended the village school in District No. 49 near her home and attended Benson High School beginning in the eighth grade, graduating in 1955. After graduation, Alice began working as a secretary/receptionist at the First State Bank in Benson. For 17 years, she enjoyed her many duties and the variety of people she worked with.
On June 24, 1972, Alice was married to Christ Skarsten by Rev. Victor Quello at Our Redeemer’s. She then began her second career as a farmer/housewife/mother, preparing many delicious meals and lunches for several farm workers, especially during the fall harvest season.
Music has always been an important part of Alice’s life. As a girl, she took piano lessons with Carl Goulson and later played clarinet in the high school concert and wind orchestra under Albert Lokken. From age 13, she was the pianist for services at Trinity of Swenoda Church and remained so until the church closed in 1961. She also played piano for Luther League programs and Sunday school. After joining Our Redeemer’s, she began accompanying children’s and youth choirs as well as many other groups and events. In the early 1970s, she was an accompanist for the parish’s singing group known as the Choraliers. She passed her love of music on to her children, whom she taught to play the piano.
Alice had a gift for teaching, leadership, and service. She was a Sunday school teacher for about 25 years and also taught vacation Bible school and led women’s Bible studies. She was active in the Our Redeemer women’s group and served as president. She also served on the church council and anniversary committees. Alice was also an adult leader of the Lake Hazel Eager Beavers 4-H Club.
Alice enjoyed baking and growing vegetables and flowers. For several years she entered exhibits at the local flower shows and the Swift County Fair. She won lefse, doughnuts, and a yellow rose, among other prizes. Her doughnuts were always highly anticipated items at church bake sales.
She passed away on August 13, 2024, at Benson Hospital. She reached the age of 86 years, eight months, and 12 days.
She is survived by her son, Roger Skarsten of Hildesheim, Germany, and her daughter, Sarah Skarsten of Benson. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Evelyn (infancy) and Louise Larson, and her husband, Christ.
Blessed be her memory.
The Zniewski funeral home is supporting the family with the preparations.
