Hugh Allen “Ole” Skjeveland, 70, of Hastings, Minn., and Sunrise Beach, Mo., formerly of Des Moines, Iowa, was born in Austin, Minn., on July 20, 1943. He passed away on Sept. 17, 2013 at University of Minnesota Hospital, Fairview, Minneapolis, after a short but valiant battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Hugh graduated from Austin High School, class of 1961. He graduated from Minnesota State Jr. College (Austin), class of 1966, and from Winona State University, class of 1969. Hugh had a long and successful career in sales beginning with the Geo. Hormel Co. He retired, after 29 years from Pfizer Animal Health in May, 2002. He was consistently recognized for sales excellence and was named salesman of the year in 1998. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who enjoyed his retirement at Lake of the Ozarks, fishing, boating, and entertaining family and friends. He also loved spending time with his two beautiful grandchildren in Lakeville, Minn.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Genevieve (Jenny) Skjeveland; brother, Lionel; and twin sons, Bryan and Wayne Skjeveland. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; son, Hugh Skjeveland, Jr. (Tracey); grandchildren, Makena and Conner; mother-in-law, Georgine Mulstay; brothers, Lowell Skjeveland, (Katherine), Eugene (Chip) Skjeveland, (Elaine), Darrell (Red) Skjeveland, (Janet), Leslie Skjeveland, (Carmen); sisters, Lorraine (Joan) Deyo, Sharon (Cherry) Waller, (Richard), Carol (Cookie) Bruggeman, (Lawrence); brother-in-law, Carl (Charly) Robertson; sister-in-law, Madeline (Mickey) Perrin, (Warren); and his dear friend William (Bill) Hansen (JoAnn). Hugh is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who he loved and who loved him, and of course his special girl “Molly,” who looked forward to her daily walks and treats. Hugh will be remembered for his kindness, keen sense of humor, his great laugh, and infectious smile. He will truly be missed by all who shared his path along the way. A celebration of his life will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, at the historic Hormel Home, 208 Fourth Ave. NW, Austin. The family wishes to thank the doctors and caregivers at University of Minnesota Hospital, and Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, especially Dr. Linda Burns, for all their outstanding care and kindness over the past 8 months. We are so grateful for all their efforts and know Hugh received the best possible care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of University of Minnesota Cancer Research Foundation