Paul D. Aasness

Paul Dennis Aasness was born on December 16th, 1939, the son of Milton and Mabel (Oksness) Aasness. He grew up on the family farm near Doran, Minnesota and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1958. After high school, he attended the Wahpeton State School of Science for one year and began farming.

On September 7th, 1963, Paul married Phyllis Larson in the United Brethren Church of Norcross. In 1964, they moved to a farm in North Ottawa township southwest of Wendell, where they resided until 1995 when they moved to a farm in Orwell Township southwest of Fergus Falls. Over his farming career, Paul raised grain crops and livestock.

Paul was recognized as the Minnesota Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer awardee in 1975. In 1978, Paul was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where he served two terms from 1979-1983. Paul also served several years on the Grant County Farm Bureau board of directors, North Ottawa Township board, State Bank of Wendell board of directors, and Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council.

Paul was an avid hunter, and especially enjoyed deer hunting and fishing along the Otter Tail River with his sons, grandchildren, and nephews.

For over 20 years, Paul led weekly bible studies at the Otter Tail County Detention Center. He served on the board of Jail Inc. Ministries, and also volunteered his time at the Fergus Falls Veterans Home and for the Fergus Falls Salvation Army.

Paul and Phyllis were long-time members of the Grace Evangelical Free Church in Elbow Lake, where he also taught Sunday School for many years.

On Tuesday, November 21st, 2017, Paul passed away during surgery at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

He is survived by two daughters, Pearl (Jon) Ferrin of St. Michael, Peggy (Brian) Skon of St. Michael; two sons, Perry (Kim) Aasness of Woodbury, and Peter (Katie) Aasness of Fergus Falls; ten grandchildren, Curtis Ferrin, Luke Ferrin, Cameron Skon, Brennan Skon, Alison Skon, Grace Aasness, Ava Aasness, Benjamin Aasness, Connor Aasness, Megan Aasness; sisters Laurel (Bud) Malmstrom, Junice (Al) Sandness, Mary Ann (Jim) Quitno, Sonja (Rich) Johnson, and Carol (Al) Domke. Preceding him in death were his parents, Milton and Mabel Aasness; his brother Milt Aasness and sister-in-law, Bev Aasness.

Paul was a devoted husband to his wife Phyllis, who were married for 54 years. He enjoyed being able to farm his entire life. He and Phyllis greatly enjoyed Southern Gospel music, and traveled frequently both in and outside Minnesota to attend Southern Gospel concerts. He loved spending time with each of his ten grandchildren, attending their activities and creating fun and adventures on the farm. He loved his country, and the principles and freedoms upon which our country was founded. He loved to meet new people, and to serve others. He mentored and counseled countless individuals over the years, never hesitating to share his faith in Jesus Christ his Savior, understanding the eternal importance. He leaves a legacy of faith and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, Friday, November 24, 2017, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend David Foss
Interment: Hereford Cemetery, near Wendell
Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com