Paula (Skabo) Hartze, 43, formerly of Dickinson had her life taken from her on Sunday, March 2, 2008 in Devils Lake, ND. Paula’s funeral service will be at 10 am, Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the United Methodist Church, Dickinson with Rev. Scott McKirdy officiating. Private family interment will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church. There will be a memorial service held at the School for the Deaf on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 1 pm CST in the school gymnasium.
Paula was born December 20, 1964, at Aberdeen, SD, to Joan and Leland Skabo. She was raised in Dickinson, ND, where she graduated from Dickinson High School. Paula had married Gerard Hartze and this marriage eventually ended in divorce.
Paula went to earn a B.S. Degree at Valley City State University and a Masters in Deaf Education from Minot State University. She taught English at Solen High School for five years and was also the school librarian. She began teaching at the North Dakota School for the Deaf in Devils Lake in August of 1995. Being very hard-of-hearing herself, and overcoming her obstacles to learning, she developed a deep connection with the students.
Paula is survived by her parents Joan and Leland Skabo, Dickinson; brother Jay (Linda) Skabo, Mandan; nephews Jake Potter, Grand Forks, and Will Skabo, Mandan; special friend Ron Eagleman and her two cats Judas and Benjamin.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Friends of Deaf Children Foundation, at the North Dakota School for the Deaf, 1401 College Drive North, Devils Lake, ND 58301
