Skylah Oksness

Skylah Madison Oksness, 15, a resident of Dalton, Minnesota, died Sunday, October 9, 2011, near Fergus Falls. She was born June 18, 1996, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Michael Oksness and Jennifer (Knutson) Odegard. She was baptized at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood. Skylah began her education in Fergus Falls, moving to the Underwood School when she was in 4th grade. She was currently a sophomore at the Underwood High School. She also worked part-time at Burger King in Fergus Falls. As a toddler, Skylah was a participant in the “Beautiful Baby Contest”. She was currently a member of the United States Achievement Academy.   She enjoyed playing volleyball for one year, and competing in track at the high school. She also loved doing Sudoku puzzles, winning the Sudoku contest in the 5th and 6th grade. She was very proud to have gotten her Driver’s Permit in September. Skylah was a free spirited and fun loving girl who lived her life to the fullest. She loved her cellphone, her I-pod, music, the computer, and mostly spending time with her friends. Four-wheeling and dirt biking, especially with her best friend, Leasha Hoff, was a favorite past-time. Her cat, Holly, was always a cherished companion. Preceding her in death were her brother, Timothy Lee Knutson; her grandpa, Gilford Knutson; her step-grandfather, Richard Odegard; her Great-Grandma Vi Doepke and Great-Grandpa Alfred Oksness; and her great-grandparents, Myra and Lewis Stahl. Survivors include her parents, Jennifer and Scott Odegard of Dalton, and Michael Oksness of Fergus Falls; her siblings: Dakota Oksness of Dalton, Kassidy Odegard, Bretta Jo, and JoDee Odegard; her grandparents: Verlinda Knutson of Fergus Falls, John and Deb Oksness of Fergus Falls, and Jean Ann Odegard of Underwood; her great-grandparents, Donald Doepke and Evelyn Oksness; her aunts and uncles: Jessica (Justin) Evans of Fergus Falls, Jammie (Daniel) Branstad of Detroit Lakes, Jordan Knutson of Fergus Falls, Jaci Johnson of Fergus Falls, Bryan (Pam) Odegard of Underwood, Bradley (Deb) Odegard of Fargo, and Sharon Bussamuss; numerous cousins, other aunts and uncles, friends, and classmates; her godfather, Jon Knutson of Fergus Falls; and Leasha’s brother, Jake, who was like a brother to her. Skylah has joined her special friend, Leasha Hoff - they are best friends together again. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2011, at Zion-Sarpsborg Free Lutheran Church in Dalton Clergy: Reverends Scott Mikkelson and Mark Johnson Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.