Charlene "Char" M. Skaff

To join Char's family for her Funeral Service, please click on the following Livestream Link: Char Skaff Funeral Service

Charlene M. “Char” Skaff, 74, of Moorhead, MN, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025, in her home.

Charlene Miriam Skaff was born November 22, 1950, in Bismarck, ND to Sam and Florene Skaff. She grew up in Fargo-Moorhead, attended Moorhead Schools, Oak Grove, and Graduated from Concordia College with a major in Elementary Education. She later attended graduate school, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Health Services Management.

Char worked as a paramedic and Education Coordinator at F-M Ambulance from 1978-2001. She trailblazed the industry for females at this company. Char served on the National Registry of EMT’s Board of Directors and received a Presidential Leadership Award from the National Association of EMT’s. She was president of the ND EMS Association and help found the EMS Instructor/Coordinator Society in North Dakota and served as a National Registry Representative as a Paramedic examiner nationwide. Char was an avid volunteer for the American Heart Association, chaired the Operation Heartbeat Program for the Fargo-Moorhead area and served as Chairperson for the initial “Go RED for Women” campaign. God opened many doors for Char. After 30 years as a licensed paramedic, she became a Realtor for Coldwell Banker. She found new ways to serve people and show care, love and kindness in a whole new occupation. Charlene retired in 2023.

Faith in Jesus was the centerpiece of who she was and what she did. She took care of her parents throughout their illnesses. A word she used often “I have no regrets” – it was a blessing.

Orange was her favorite color. That color radiated in her decorating, enthusiasm, and Joy! The nieces, nephews and then the great nieces and nephews would help in the placing, fall pumpkins (which seemed like thousands), decorating the Christmas tree in abundance, followed by watching Home Alone and eating Duane’s pizza, and whatever holiday or season she was celebrating next.

Baking was her love language. There were EPIC Christmas cookie baking extravaganza’s, Marathon Lefse making for Thanksgiving (we knew who worked the hardest by the amount of flour on their apron and floor)… and of course, Chocolate chip cookie making was her SPECIALTY! I would love to know the poundage of chocolate chips that entered that home! Every family member had their turn learning how to make them Char’s special way. She told us over a Million cookies were made in her kitchen!!

Her nieces, nephews and greats were the joy of her life! Char celebrated birthdays, attended sporting events and programs, made phone calls to chat, encourage, listen and love. As Char’s Illness became progressed the roles were changed… meals brought, errands run, baskets carried upstairs…whatever was needed.

Char knew how to say, “I love you”. Like Char, we can all spread enthusiasm, kindness, and love wherever we go.

She is survived by: Wayne (Arlene) Skaff, Ramsey, MN; Kristen (Gary) Brechler, Kyle, Micah, Woodbury, MN; Brian (Kelli) Skaff, Emily, Taylor, Jackson, Hopkinton, MA; Sharon (Dave) Tranby, Moorhead, MN; Jon (Cindy) Tranby, Toby, Matthew, Blaine, MN; Kelli Gast, Parker, Tyler, Brooklyn, Moorhead, MN; Steven Tranby, Ft. Collins, CO; Sam (Laneil) Skaff, Moorhead, MN; Lisa Skaff, Carter, Krispen, Excelsior, MN; Nathan (Christine) Skaff, Ella, Beckett, Whitney, Kason, West Fargo, ND; Jenna (Tyler) Stowers, Lauren, Drew, Jack, Fargo, ND; Julie (Aaron) Stoe, William, Anica, West Fargo, ND; many wonderful cousin and countless friends.

A Visitation for Char will begin at 9:00 AM, Thursday, September 18, 2025, followed by her Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)