Carl Martin Skraastad

Carl Martin Skraastad, 71 Carl Martin Skraastad, 71, of Purling, NY died peacefully on Monday, November 30th, 2015 at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital surrounded by his wife, children, family and friends. Born in Greenwich, CT to Marie Cecilia Tallaksen Skraastad of Brooklyn, NY and Bjarne Skraastad of Kristiansand, Norway, Carl grew up in Stamford, CT with his wonderful brothers, Russell Glenn Skraastad of Guthrie, OK and George Joseph Skraastad of Purling, NY. After graduating high school, Carl joined the Marines, proud to serve his country and ecstatic to see the world. Carl served for 20 years, first as a mortar man and then as an electronics technician. He received numerous awards from the Marine Corps for his many innovative inventions. Carl retired a GySgt and then began work for the US Postal service as an electronic technician/inventor. Carl Martin Skraastad was kind to every human he encountered, and was always there when you needed him, but Carl was also an exterminator on the side, and therefore a deadly enemy of pests everywhere. Carl was passionate about classical music, politics and his family. Carl was a 3rd Degree Master Mason-DSA (Dedicated Service Award) Recipient of Kedemah Masonic Lodge #693. Carl was a proud Mason for 16 years and 14 days. Carl was also a member of the American Legion Post #983 and an Associate Member of the Round Top Volunteer Fire Company for 20 years. Carl is survived by his wife and best friend of 45 1/2 years, Monica Ricen Skraastad of Alexandria, VA/Purling, NY, and best friend and brother-in love, Pete Velonis of Sparta, Greece/Alexandria, VA. Carl was the loving and proud father of Danielle Skraastad of New York City; Danette Skraastad Best and her husband, Jason Best of Alexandria, VA; Jessica Iliff and her husband, Rob Iliff, of Louisville, KY; Carl Skraastad Jr. of Gettysburg, VA; Tyler Joseph Skraastad of Alexandria, VA and Christopher Tunis of Purling, NY. Carl and his wife Monica were honored to foster dozens of local youth over many years and were strong advocates for community service. Carl was the happy grandfather of Gunnar Nicholas Best, Knox Nathaniel Best, Jason Daniel Best, Aiden Chance Iliff and Bentley Kruz Iliff. Carl deeply loved his extraordinary extended family and was very thankful for their loving care and support over these many years. His decency lives on in his friends and family and all those whose lives he touched. Funeral services for Carl will be held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Monday morning, December 7th, 2015 at 10:30am, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Triangle, VA 22172. Carl will be laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on behalf of Carl to The American Legion Post 983 Mohican, PO Box 329, Cairo, NY, 12413.

Tributes

Carl Martin Skraastad

November 11, 1944 - November 30, 2015