John Anders Skarperud of Elma peacefully passed away Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at Tacoma General Hospital. He was 76. John was born on August 18, 1942, to Arthur and Betty (Boe) Skarperud in Aberdeen, Wash., where he graduated from J.M. Weatherwax High School in 1960. He later made his home at the Hood Canal followed by Elma, Wash.

On Father’s Day in 2002, John married Lynn (Bickford) Skarperud. She survives him at the family home.

John enjoyed Westerns on TV, duck hunting and old cars. He was a member of the Sons of Norway. His days were filled with nature and his love of animals great and small. Being a forester was clear; John was most at home in the woods.

John is survived by his wife Lynn Skarperud of Elma; sister Muffy (George) Johnson of Mercer Island, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Betty Skarperud, sister Fran Skarperud, and brother Robert E. Skarperud.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Elma Eagles, 404 West Young Street.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.