Howard Lester Askelsen (1908-1972)

ASKELSEN, GROVES, KNUTSON

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:01

October 4, 1908 --- April 3, 1972

Howard L. Askelson

Funeral services for Howard L. Askelsen were held Thursday, April 6, at 10:00 am. at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion with Pastor Oliver E. Johnson officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Askelsen died at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn, on April 3, where he had been a patient since March 3, the last three weeks of which were spent in intensive care. His death was unexpected and sudden following complications from hip surgery. He was 63 years old.

He was born on October 4, 1908, at Shabbona, Ill. His parents were Oscar and Anna Askelsen who had come from Norway in their teens. His parents preceded him in death. They had moved to Vincent, Iowa in 1916. He went to school in the Vincent, Badger and Eagle Grove area.

Askelsen was married to Ella Martin in 1938. To this union two children were born. A daughter, Mrs. Kent Groves (Elaine) resides near Eagle Grove and a son, Harlan Askelsen, resides south of Clarion.

Howard Askelsen had resided since 1931 on the farm south of Clarion and was actively engaged in farming until shortly before his death. He had been afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis for 14 years, a condition which gradually worsened. Even though it was very difficult for him to move about, he maintained a wholesome outlook on life and remained as active as possible.

He was very active in farming and was interested in progressive ideas in his operation. In 1959, to maintain his interests despite his handicap, he invested in automatic beef-feeding equipment. He periodically had been the subject of several featured articles. Last August 23, 1971, his farm was one of four visited on the Rural-Urban tour in this community.

He genuinely enjoyed people and displayed a kindness and concern for others. He was especially fond of children. Arthritis had its crippling effect on him but he was determined to persevere.

Askelsen is survived by his wife, one son, one daughter two grandsons, and two granddaughters. Also, among the survivors are: one sister, Mrs. Marvin Knutson (Gladys) of Kanawha; two brothers, Arthur Askelsen, near Woolstock; and Kenneth Askelsen, near West Union.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, April 20, 1972