H.B. "Papa" Skordal

H.B. "Papa" Skordal March 5, 1918-Feb. 5, 2016 Henry Benton Skordal passed peacefully Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. He was the third child of Bernard and Hannah Anderson Skordal. Born in Mohall, N.D., he attended Mohall High School and attended NDAC in Forgo. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Stockton Field, Calif. It was there in the summer of 1942, that he married Claudia L. Dandliker, the love of his life. Henry accepted a position with the U.S.G.S. Topographic Division. He was assigned surveying and mapping in the mid-continent region, and after doing that for 34 years, settled in Springdale, Ark. in 1971. After retirement, Henry did contract mapping assignments for Arkansas Western Gas. An avid hunter and fisherman, "Hank", was blessed with many such experiences through his life. Favorites were the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Alaska, and Gulf Shores, Ala. The most loving husband, father, and friend, he will be greatly missed. His spirit will live on in his wife, Claudia; daughter, Rochelle A. Bruce; son, James B. Skordal, all of Springdale and daughter, Sharon P. Tulli of Indianapolis, Ind.; also six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Loved ones will celebrate his amazing life this Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Springdale, Ark. They attended the First United Methodist Church in Springdale for many years.