Wesley A. Asleson Sr.

Wesley A. Asleson Sr., of Devils Lake, ND passed away at his home on Sunday morning, March 26, 2017 in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice. Wesley Anthony, son of Melvin and Mabel (Storkson) Asleson was born on October 27, 1935 at Larimore, ND. He grew up in Lakota, attending Lakota Public School.  He worked for a time at JC Penney’s before enlisting in the United States Army on July 30, 1953.  He served his country during the Korean Conflict as a Military Policeman in Germany.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on July 14th, 1956 with the rank of Specialist 3.  He continued in the Army Reserves and on April 4, 1961 he began a 35 year career with the North Dakota Army National Guard at Camp Grafton.  He was a vehicle mechanic with the 3662nd (The Duce). Wes met his future bride at the Roller Rink in Devils Lake. He was united in marriage to Vivian Bartholme on November 15, 1958 at Devils Lake.  They would call Devils Lake home their entire married life. Wes worked hard to provide for his family and worked part-time at Royal Lanes Bowling Alley in the evenings after work at Camp Grafton. After retiring as a Staff Sergeant from the National Guard on October 27, 1995 he went to work for Durbin Excavating and after they sold the business to Midland Excavating he continued employment with them.  When he had that off time, Wes enjoyed fishing, especially when they lived at Creel Bay until the rising water forced them to move. He was a member of Larry’s Barber Shop Bowling Team and also bowled Mixed League with Vivian for many years.  They always were enjoyable times with family and friends.  Horseback riding, in his younger years was a great time in the outdoors. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge and would work as a Deputy at many of the Chautauqua events held at Lakewood Park.  Wes proudly served his country, was a good neighbor and friend and loved his family with all his heart. Wesley’s loving family include his wife Vivian of 58 years; children Cindy Asleson, Devils Lake, Wesley (Evangeline) Asleson, Las Vegas, NV, Scott (Cherrie) Asleson, Brooks, MN and Jennifer (Brenden) Laugsand, St. Michael, ND; grandchildren Vanaley Asleson (Mark Delacruz) and Kasen and Koben Laugsand and Mariah; brothers Doug Asleson and Edward (Elouise) Forde all of Devils Lake and Richard (Sharon) Forde, Colorado; sister-in-law Phyllis Heilman, Devils Lake and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Ethel Haugen and Dixie Wagner. Funeral Services for Wesley will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.  Visitation will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance and Prayer at 5:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be one hour prior to the funeral service.