Skans, Johan W.

Skans, Johan W., Minister — Portland — born in Kleva, Västergötland, on September 26, 1852. Went to America in the spring of 1870 and for the first years lived in Jamestown, N. Y. Studied at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, 1876-1883, where he graduated. Ordained in Red Wing, Minnesota, on June 17 the same year and on August 24 came to Portland, Oregon. From then on until his death on July 10, 1904, he served as Pastor of the Swedish Lutheran Church. He was married since July 10, 1883 and had two sons and three daughters. His widow died on December 19, 1910. One of the sons is studying at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. Skans was one of the most good-natured people anyone could ever meet. His obituary in the newspaper, The Oregonian, stated in English:  “He was a man of beautiful character. A minister of strong convictions, he was a man of rare and tender sympathies, a true friend to all.”