Nick Skogland

In loving memory of Nick Skogland, born on February 28th, 1949, in Taylorville Illinois, & peacefully departed from this world on December 24, 2023, in Capitan, NM. Being a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran & retired from the State of NM as a maintenance manager at Fort Stanton, Nick embodied kindness & was a friend to many across the county, always extending a helping hand to those in need. In addition to his service, Nick was also part of the American Legion & volunteered at the Fort Stanton Fire Department for many years.

During his early years, Nick's passion for music led him to be part of a band, holding a small collection of music equipment & always carried a guitar pick on him for when the time was right. In light of circumstances during the 1960s, Nick was called by his nation to serve in the fight against communism in Vietnam under the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division. A true patriot, he served valiantly as an Artilleryman before being assigned to Forward Reconnaissance for the remainder of his rotation between 1968-1971. Being described by his countrymen in wartime as a "bull in a China store", Nick was resilient, maintained composure during tough times, & did not hesitate to put himself forward for his comrades around him.

In a different kind of war, Nick fought hard against lung cancer for 6 years, defying the odds with further resilience, courage, & continual grit until the very end. Nick passed away peacefully at home in the mountains, surrounded by his beloved family. Known for his enduring sense of humor & down to earth ways of living, Nick brought joy to the lives of those around him, creating lasting memories with his wit & integrity. Nick Skogland was proceeded in death by his parents and grandparents and is survived by his brother, Rick Skogland, loving spouse of 36 years, Mary Skogland, daughters, Leah Shorter (Lubbock, TX), Kimberly Skogland (Springfield, MO) and stepdaughter Regina Griego Kelleher & son-in-law Patrick Kelleher (Leesburg, Fl). Nick was also a cherished grandfather to Jacob Cano, Elaina Cano, as well as 5 more grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, & 1 great, great-grandchild. Leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, dedication, & laughter. In accordance with his wishes, Nick will be cremated & his final resting place will be at the Fort Stanton Veterans Cemetery in New Mexico. May his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched, in those that he fought for, & may his soul find eternal peace.