Olaf L. Aasand

Olaf “Ole” Leroy Aasand, age 94 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Unity Medical Center in Grafton.  His family together mourns and celebrates his life.
Ole Aasand was born August 25, 1928 to Ole and Annie (Berg) Aasand in Grafton, ND.  He was educated through the Walsh County School District, working on the family farm and active in area social life.  Ole was married to Frances E. Weed on June 27, 1948.  This day was without a doubt the best thing to happen to Ole.  Their marriage was blessed with six children, a farming partnership, a dedication to faith, and a commitment to their community.
Ole was heavily involved in farming, not only in the Walsh County area, but also in Glenwood, Minnesota during his career.  For a decade he was involved with a cattle farm in Mato Grosso, Brazil with sons James and Charles.  He actively spent 46 years (1944-1990) in the business, working with many friends and partners in expanding production, crop selections and exciting innovations in the field, eventually leaving the operations in the good hands of his son James Aasand.  Ole continued to make consistent crop “inspections” from spring planting to harvest throughout his life.  Once retired, Ole and Frances wintered in Arizona, but always thought of Grafton as their permanent home.
Ole’s activities early in life included: curling, fishing, trap shooting and playing cards.  Later, spending many years watching his children curl in state, national and international competition.  He was an avid traveler, taking in Europe, Africa, South America, Philippines, Mexico and many cruises with Frances by his side.  He loved the time he spent with his grandchildren and cherished their visits.  Later these visits included great grandchildren.  Eventually combining the joys of the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended poker games.
Ole was very active in community organizations and community support services, including Heritage Village, Lutheran Sunset Home, Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla Maternity Home, the Pregnancy Help Center in Park River, Northland Rescue Mission, Unity Medical Center and Valley Ambulance & Rescue Service.  His service included membership in the following organizations:  Elks, Eagles, President of Nash Grain, President of Walsh County Beet Growers Association, President of the Grafton Curling Club, President of the Grafton Federated Church, Director of the Red River Valley Beet Cooperative and a Life member of the Sons of Norway.  Ole was honored as Grafton’s Citizen of the Year in 2018.
Ole is survived by five children: John (Debbie) Aasand, Grafton, ND; James (Jan) Aasand, Grafton, ND; Mary (Michael) Pederson, Fargo, ND; Kim Aasand, Anchorage, AK; Charles (Kathy) Aasand, Pocatello, ID; daughter-in-law, Vicki Aasand, Grafton, ND; fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great grand-children.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Frances, son Frank, daughters-in-law: JoAnn Aasand and Valerie Aasand, brother Jevon (Jeep), Sisters: Beulah, Olga and Lila.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Federated Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Hoople, ND.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Valley Ambulance and Rescue in Grafton.

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