Linda Skonseng

Linda Catherine McGrath was born April 23, 1952 to Michael and Lois McGrath in Lisbon, ND. Her sense of humor and strong independence started early in life as she loved riding bike, playing hide and seek, and dressing up cats in doll clothes then taking them on buggy rides on the family farm. Linda and her siblings often would sneak out her bedroom window to sit on the roof, gaze at the stars, and talk. 

Following high school, Linda turned her street smarts, vivacious chattiness, and caring for other people into a career in cosmetology. She would later happily cut her children’s hair in her kitchen. 

Linda married Dennis Wallner before making a change in her career and moving to Minnesota. In 1990, she was united in marriage to Jerome Skonseng and relocated to Wahpeton. She worked for Giants Snacks and The Daily News before retiring in 2014. 

Linda embraced moments with family, treasured time at home watching old television series, and delighted in cooking and baking. Every December, she dedicated many days to making Christmas – her favorite holiday - extra special. Linda’s grandkids also meant the world to her. She spoiled them like crazy, earning the title of #1 Grandma! 

Faith played an active role throughout Linda’s life. She prayed the rosary nightly. When life was difficult, she’d put her hands together, bring them up, and say, “Give it to God.”

Linda’s most enduring legacy is one of unconditional love and loyalty. She remained selfless, stubborn, and sarcastic until the last day of her life. 

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jerome of Wahpeton, ND; her children, Jamie (Jeremy) Jensen of Mooreton, ND; Dana Wallner of Breckenridge, MN; Travis Skonseng of Fargo, ND; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sister Randy (Gary) Fraedrich of Barnesville, MN; sister Julie (Byron) Stoffel of Kindred, ND; nephews, nieces, along with other relatives. 

Welcoming Linda to her heavenly home are her parents, a brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. 

Linda’s prayer service will be Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 6:00 pm, with visitation one hour before, at St. John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton. A light luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sheldon, ND at a later date. 

Linda’s family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Sanford, Roger Maris Cancer Center, and CHI Hospice for their care and support.