Niels G. "Mike" Skovsende

He was born August 22, 1929 in Michigan the son of Hans and Ninna (Moeller) Skovsende.

Niels graduated from Andes Central School the Class of 1948.

On April 25, 1952, Niels married Barbara Boyd at the Andes United Presbyterian Church in Andes.

A dairy farmer his whole life, together with his wife they owned and operated Skovsende Farm in North Franklin since 1959 and retired in 2013 when he had a stroke and his health declined. He enjoyed his family and his registered Red and White Holsteins. He enjoyed bowling and bowled in many leagues throughout the area with his wife. Niels also loved to square dance.

Niels was a member of the former Oneonta Eagles Club; for 40 years he was a member of the Holstein Association in which he was honored in 2006; and for 40 years the Red & White Holstein Association in which he was honored in 2007.

Niels is survived by his wife, Barbara Skovsende; son, Garry Skovsende and his wife, Denise; daughter-in-law, Georgetta Skovsende all of North Franklin; one granddaughter, Krista Pugh of TX; three grandsons, Jamie Skovsende, Brandon Skovsende and Aaron Skovsende all of North Franklin; two great grandchildren, Collin Skovsende and Destiny Skovsende; one sister, Nora Cole; sister-in-law, Elsie Skovsende both of Andes; as well as five nieces and one nephew. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Skovsende and brother, Viggo “Joe” Skovsende.

Niels’ family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Ucci for all of his help during his illnesses and to Catskill Area Hospice and the night nurses for the wonderful care given to him.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 1:00pm in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta with the Lay Preacher, Dale Gordon officiating. Following the service there will be a reception at the Aldrich Baptist Church, State Highway 28, North Franklin. Burial will be held in the spring in the Andes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, New York 13820 or to the Aldrich Baptist Church, P.O. Box 174, Franklin, New York 13775.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.