Bjarne "Bud" Skjetne

Proctor- Bjarne “Bud” Skjetne

Bjarne “Bud” Skjetne Jr., 87 passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Proctor on September 15, 1938, the son of Bjarne Sr. and Anna (Anderson) Skjetne. Bud was the youngest of seven children and the only boy. He was a very patriotic man and a proud veteran of the Vermont Army National Guard, with whom he enlisted at an early age.

Bud married the love of his life, Elaine Illinksi, on August 9, 1958, in Proctor. They began a family shortly after, having three adorable children. He was a hardworking family man, owning many successful businesses throughout his life. Bud was very proud of his many business endeavors which ranged from school busses, car dealerships, excavation, inground pools, rental properties, and many locally renowned restaurants such as Bud’s Cannonball Lounge, where he was best known for his “world famous” prime rib. He was also proud to share that he had earned his pilot’s license and loved flying. Bud was a passionately involved member of the Cairo Shriners of Rutland, leading the Rutland chapter for many years. He made many trips around the country to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. While he enjoyed an amazing, adventure-filled life, he considered his grandchildren and great grandsons his greatest blessing.

Bud loved to laugh and was a walking book of jokes, rarely telling the same one twice. He had a huge heart and such a love for life and those he shared it with. Gathering with family and friends gave him such joy, where he loved to start up a game of 45.

Bud is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elaine; his three children: Debra Kovalchuk (Alexander) of Proctor, Laurie Gallus (Gary) of Proctor, and Bjarne Skjetne III (Danielle) of Norwich; a sister Ethel Pitaniello (Thomas) of Florida; three grandchildren: Justin Gallus of Raleigh, NC, Kristi Pelkey of N. Chittenden, and Gary Pelkey Jr. (Amanda) of Proctor; four great grandsons who he absolutely adored: Wyatt, Carter, Waylen, and Beckett; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters Mildred Biro (Stephen), Shirley Hall (Jesse), Evelyn Komlo (Stephen), Myrtle O’Day (William), and Carolyn Thibault (Norman).

Visiting hours will be held at Clifford’s Funeral Home in Rutland on Thursday, October 30th from 11-12pm., with a burial of military honors immediately following at Riverside Cemetery in Proctor. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 2nd from 12-4pm at the VFW Post 648 in Rutland. Friends and family are invited to come together to share stories and remember a life well-lived.

The family would be honored to have donations made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. www.shrinerschildrens.org

Arrangements are under the direction of the Clifford Funeral Home. Online Condolences at www.cliffordfuneralhome.com