Obituary of Kjell Robert Skavnes

Kjell Robert Skavnes passed away on June 28, 2016 after an extended illness. He had been living at his home in the Marcella section of Rockaway Township. He was 75 years old. He was born in Norway and moved to the Lake Telemark section of Rockaway Township as a young man and began to work at Reinertsen Motors. He married Claire Alice Reinertsen in 1963. Kjell and his wife Claire bought Reinertsen Motors from Claire’s parents in 1973 and Kjell became President until the business was sold in 2012. His wife Claire passed away on March 17, 2005. Kjell and Claire were very active in the B.U.L. and sons of Norway, where they danced with the B.U.L. Folk Dance Group. He was also a member of the Marcella Community Club. Kjell loved racing with the Sports Car Club of America and was one of the top drivers during his active career. He also was committed to assisting with Ski For Light as a skiing guide for those whose vision was impared, or were blind. In his later years Kjell loved to travel to the Florida Keys where he kept his deep sea fishing boat. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Telemark. He is survived by his son, Krystian Skavnes. His daughter, Linda Skavnes Otto, passed away in 2012. Sisters Modgunn Festoy and Ellen Lundgren in Norway. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Korbin Otto, Annaka and Marlee Skavnes. Friends may visit on Wednesday, July 6th from 1-3PM or 6-8PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville, NJ 07834. There will be a memorial service at 8:00 pm immediately following the time of visitation. Dr. Larry Reinertsen will be officiating. Memorial Donations in Kjell’s memory are being accepted by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Please leave a condolence for his family.