Vivian Skogerbo

Vivian Skogerbo, 90, died of congestive heart failure on Monday, August 05, 2019 at her home in Rochester surrounded by her family. Vivian Emma Rosnau was born on June 8, 1929 in Winthrop, Minn., to Herman and Adina (King) Rosnau. She attended Northwestern Bible School in Minneapolis where she met and married Rev. Peter Skogerbo on June 11, 1954. After pastoring churches in St. Paul, Minn., and Newton, Iowa, the couple moved to Rochester in 1959 before going overseas as missionaries to Chile in 1961. They returned to Rochester in 1970 where they settled down, made their home, and raised their four children. Whether in South America or Rochester, Vivian knew how to make her house a home--and a haven for those who crossed the doorstep. She loved to cook and bake, and there was always a place at the table for unexpected guests and her children's friends. She was also "mom" to several foreign exchange students. She enjoyed tending to the flowers in her garden, and watching the visiting birds and squirrels. For many years, her birthday celebration was afternoon tea with her daughters and granddaughters. Holidays in Vivian's home found her in her rooster-themed kitchen baking kringla and lefse, later finishing a puzzle while humming along to big band music. She played a fast hand of Dutch Blitz, and always had time for building pillow forts and making homemade play-dough with her grandchildren. Vivian was active in the area churches her husband Peter pastored, playing the piano, singing and teaching. The couple instilled their love of music in their children. For many years she had a phone answering service in her home for Minneapolis Star and Tribune subscription services. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers George Rosnau, Lowell Rosnau, and their wives; an infant brother, Vernon; daughter Karen Joy; and son-in-law Kelvin Mulholland. She is survived by her husband, Peter; children Alan (Tom Freeman) Skogerbo, Judy Mulholland, Larry (Tracy) Skogerbo, Kathryn St. Claire; her twelve grandchildren: Emily Jo, Elena, Sophia, Taylor, Brandon, Alex, Lauren, Brittany, Matt, Taylor, Louis, and Spencer, who was her caregiver for the last two years; 13 great-grandchildren; 13 nieces and nephews; and her dog, Copper, who was her constant companion. A memorial service to honor and remember Vivian will be held at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901) on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rick Scott officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Skogerbo family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com