Dayton Skarphol, age 70 of Souris, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 on arrival to a Bottineau hospital.

Dayton Alvin Skarphol was born in Westhope, ND on July 10, 1953 to Alyce (Frykman) and Haaken E. Skarphol. He passed away suddenly in Bottineau at the emergency room on January 9, 2024 at the newly retired age of 70.

Dayton lived his whole life at the farm in Souris, other than a stint away for college and work. Dayton graduated high school from Souris Public School as valedictorian in 1971. He then attended college at Minot State and finished with a degree in law enforcement. He was an officer in Minot and Bottineau for several years before purchasing the farm. Dayton farmed small grains, hay for his herd of beef cattle, periodically raised hogs and was most importantly known as a gifted machinist and mechanic for many local farmers and businesses throughout the county. He was quite proud of the fact of being one of the smallest remaining family farms in Bottineau County. He was a lifelong member of Lesje Lutheran Church, rural Roth, serving as trustee for several years. He also served as a Scandia Township supervisor.

Dayton was preceded in death by one brother David; mother, Alyce and father, Haaken; grandparents; aunts and uncles from both North Dakota and Minnesota.

Dayton is survived by his sister, Louise (Shayne) Johnson of Pillager, MN; nephew Aaron (Tomi) Johnson and Harper and Henry of Crosby, MN; niece Amy (Dustin) Kremer and Tenley and Taya of Fargo, MN; and best friend, Linda (Nordmark) Pedersen of Souris; and several Skarphol, Honadel and Frykman cousins.

There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, June 8th at 11 a.m.  at Lesje Lutheran Church of rural Roth. Pastor Glenn Berge will officiate as we remember Dayton with stories and memories. Lunch will be served after in Souris at the Fire Department, where he was a member for many years. Memorials may be directed to Lesje Church, Lesje Cemetery Fund or Souris Fire Department. Arrangements have been with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.