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Chris Skoglund 11/26/2023

Chris Lee Skoglund, 67, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, November 26thshoveling snow and taking no prisoners. She loved her family, America and Marlboro Lights.

She was born in Lorraine, Ohio to young parents, Richard and Shirley Hailey and before she could talk, had an opinion on everything.

Chris attended New Richmond High School until she decided she knew better and dropped out. She eventually felt obligated to get her GED from WITC to be able to be able to say “she graduated” and had a chip on her shoulder ever since. If there was anything Chris needed to know, she obsessively researched it until she was an expert. Chris was as equally as versed in the Kennedy assassination, scientology, politics, and pop culture as she was in power tools, home renovation and gardening. You truly never knew what to expect with Chris. There was a beautiful randomness and a drive to her insatiable curiosity that was unmatched.

On one given day she could be found self-tiling an unfinished bathroom, and on another, researching how to self-inject her own Botox illegally shipped from South Korea (which she did regularly). This very curiosity and disregard of societal norms resulted in an self-confidence that her survivors will carry on in spirit.

Chris Skoglund is survived by her husband Steve Skoglund (proudly married for 40-years). When asked what their secret to a successful marriage, Steve responded “I knew when to keep my mouth shut.” Steve loved Chris very much.

Chris cherished her three children and their respective spouses, Mike (38) & Liz Skoglund (34), Natalie (31) & Shane Spaeth (40) and her middle-not-single-but-not-yet-married-but-very-much-in-love-gay-son Tom (35).

She’s also fortunate enough to have met and spoiled three grandchildren, Quinn Van-Ess (11), Rhett Spaeth (4), and Elin Skoglund (1).

We will all miss her unconditional love and remember how special she made every holiday season as we continue to uphold her legacy. Christmas time and family meant everything to Chris.

Chris’ wake was held on Friday, December 1st at the First Lutheran Church in New Richmond, Wisconsin at 10AM. The wake was followed by a brief ceremony (Pastor Fred promised) at 12PM sharp and followed by a celebration of life (read: open bar) at the New Richmond Golf Club until 6PM.

Donations on behalf of Chris may be made to New Richmond Rotary Foundation or the New Richmond Community Foundations.

ChatGPT said we’d be remiss to also mention Chris’ dysfunctional family which she is also survived by, starting with the very oldest (and we mean ancient) to youngest.

Cheryl & Billy Reese
Richard Hailey & Barb Swanson
Carol & David Somsen
Jon & Mary Hailey
David & Susan Bestler

And, of course, all of their respective children!

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

20 Comments

  • Jim Reppe Posted November 28, 2023 8:05 am

    I am so sorry to hear this. She had many dear connections to her family and the NR community. Her sudden death is numbing to many including myself. My condolences to all.

    • Cheryl Reese Posted November 28, 2023 5:35 pm

      Thanks for caring, Jim! I talked to her so much, that I keep thinking I need to call her to talk about her not being here! Cheryl

  • Paul Mayer Posted November 28, 2023 9:17 am

    I am sad to hear of this. It seems like loss has become part of our lives. Can’t fill the voids. My condolences to the family.

  • Mary Hendrickson Posted November 28, 2023 3:15 pm

    I am so sorry to hear the shocking news of Chris’s unexpected passing. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Steve and the children. May you all be blessed in finding strength through this difficult journey from the loving memories you have with and of Chris. She will always be with you as you carry her in your hearts.

  • Jeff Carow Posted November 29, 2023 1:54 am

    I am so sorry for your loss! You are all in my prayers. Duff

  • Lisa Leahy Posted November 29, 2023 6:44 am

    I am so very sorry for this sudden loss. This is so very sad. Sending prayers and hugs to everyone. I know she will be missed dearly by many.

  • Mike Donahue Posted November 29, 2023 9:53 am

    Steve and family and Hailey family, I am so sorry for your loss. Although gone from NR for many years, memories of hanging out at Haileys was always a good time. You are in my prayers as you memorialize your wife, mother, sister, and friend.

  • Joel & Judy Pederson Posted November 29, 2023 11:17 am

    Steve & Family: We were very saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Chris. A sudden passing like this is very difficult to process. Steve, you have a large support group to lean on at a time like this to help you so don’t hesitate to use this loving support group. We are all here for you.

  • Morrie Veilleux Posted November 29, 2023 11:25 am

    So sorry to hear of Chris passing. I really enjoyed working with when she was a member of the school board. Her forthrightness in discussing issues always included doing what was right for kids and the taxpayers. I was always amazed with the activities she under took in tackling home improvements she, gardening and decorating. She played a big part in improving the school district’s infrastructure for decades to come. My prayers and thoughts are with Steve, their family and friends. She was a special person. No doubt God will welcome her to his Kingdom with open arms.

  • Mark Skoglund Posted November 29, 2023 3:34 pm

    Steve, My condolences to you and your family.

  • Darla Giese Posted November 29, 2023 4:28 pm

    Chris was a role model for me while working with her at Andersen Windows. The carpool was never a quiet ride to or from work. She always put 130% into everything she did. She was such a fun person to know. She will be missed.

  • Nate & Teresa Peterson Posted November 29, 2023 11:12 pm

    Very sad and and sorry for your loss, but reading the obituary carries forward the legacy of humor in your family and helps. She was a someone that made an impression and a difference in the community.

  • Kathleen McNamara Posted November 30, 2023 10:40 am

    Chris was an unbelievable person with great qualities. Very loving and fun. I remember her from high school. And after very ambitious I’d constantly see her at her house and she said I’m just building new chairs for my house. A loving a person that will be lost. My condolences for the family.

  • Jeff and Anne Johnston Posted November 30, 2023 1:10 pm

    To the Hailey and Skoglund families Anne and I wish to express our deepest condolences and sorrow at the passing of Chris. May you find strength in this time of sadness by remembering a strong and loving family member.

  • Edna Grotjahn Early Posted November 30, 2023 7:41 pm

    Chris was a force to be reckoned with from the first time I met her in 9th grade. I was her art teacher that year and the next in the high school. She had a mind of her own, was very fun-the life of the party and so interesting and interested in experiencing life to the fullest! Hard to believe she is gone to another life. Chris will be missed!
    My heart goes out to Steve, their wonderful family, her family of origin and her close girlfriends. Rest in peace, Chris. You were loved by many!

  • Stephanie Powers Posted December 2, 2023 5:19 pm

    I just found out about Chris’ passing. She had a great sense of humor. My condolences.

  • Barbara Kampa Posted December 3, 2023 2:09 pm

    So very sorry for your loss.

  • Rick and Robbin Johnson Posted December 3, 2023 5:23 pm

    aorry to hear about your wife

  • Jen Clark Posted December 5, 2023 9:25 pm

    Steve and the entire family, I am so very sorry for your loss and for all who knew her. She had such a kind heart and I loved how she had a voice and great sense of humor. May you all feel the love and strength of the Lord around you in the days to come. She’s still with all of you, just in a different way. Hugs to everyone.

  • dale peterson Posted December 10, 2023 8:10 pm

    sorry for your loss scog. QE

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