Michael Jerome Skiple

Michael Jerome Skiple, 69, formerly of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025 at the Village at Olathe, a senior living center in Olathe, Kansas.

Mike was born on October 8, 1955 in Crookston, Minnesota to Lawrence and Edna (nee Fladhammer) Skiple. His early years were spent on the family dairy farm on Maple Lake, and later in Crookston and Fisher, Minnesota. After graduation from Fisher High School in 1974, Mike enrolled at the Detroit Lakes Technical College, studying what would become his lifelong passion; drafting. Upon completion of classes, Mike began working at the University of North Dakota, where he spent his entire 41-year career as an engineering technician in design and construction. After suffering from a series of health issues in late 2023, Mike moved to Olathe, Kansas.

Mike is survived by his mother Edna Skiple of Fargo; sisters Diane (Keith) Kron of Paola, Kansas and Darlene (Jim) Jerde of Crookston; brothers Wayne Gulsvig of Ankeny, Iowa; Neil (Jan) Gulsvig of Wausau, WI, Scott (Jackie) Skiple of Yellow Springs, OH, Steve Skiple of Bismarck, Craig (Linda) Skiple and Richard Skiple of Fargo; Darin Skiple of Waconia, MN, and Jason (Anita) Skiple of Detroit Lakes, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Skiple, and adoptive parents Arnold and Myra Gulsvig.

Mike loved his job, the University of North Dakota, and was a big fan of UND hockey. He loved spending time at his lake property near Mentor, Minnesota. He greatly enjoyed his trip to Norway in 2018, where he traveled to the small town of Skiple, met relatives, and learned how Skiple is pronounced in Norway. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor, a kind heart, and a gentle soul. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held in September in Grand Forks. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Mike J. Skiple Scholarship Endowment, UND Alumni Association.

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