Morris P. Aanstad

Morris P. Aanstad, 92 of Devils Lake formerly of Hampden, ND passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Morris Purnell Aanstad was born on January 16, 1926 at Devils Lake, ND the son of Jonas John and Anna Kristine (Stenstad) Aanstad. He grew up on the family farm south of Hampden and attended the Hampden Public School, graduating in 1943.

He entered the United States Navy in 1946, serving stateside as the end of World War II was nearing. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the family farm, working alongside his parents.

While attending a carnival in Hampden, Morris met his beloved Rena Lichtenbarger and they were united in marriage on October 21, 1951 and shared over 66 beautiful years of love, laughter, good times and bad times. They established their home on the Aanstad family farm where they lived, worked the farm and raised their family through the years.  Morris and Rena moved into Devils Lake in 1991, but Morris continued active in the farming for several more years. 

Morris was very active in his church and community, serving on the church council, School and Elevator boards, and as a director on the Farmers Union Oil Company Board for many years. He enjoyed membership in the Hampden Hay-Overbo American Legion Post #266, the Sons of Norway since the age of 19, Odd Fellows and RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). After moving to Devils Lake, they treasured sharing their faith with the congregation at the First United Methodist Church when going to Hampden for church services was becoming more difficult. 

When the farming was done for the season, Morris and Rena loved to travel and visited almost every state, including trips to Alaska and Hawaii. They thoroughly enjoyed many trips and adventures as members of the Good Neighbor Club.  The trip to New York City was shortly after 9/11 and was a trip that held more somber memories.   Retired life left him with a little more time to enjoy reading and playing cards and conversation with friends and family over a good cup of coffee. 

Morris is survived by his wife, Rena; children Maureen (Ron Morris) Meyer, Longsdale, MN, Joel (Pamela) Aanstad, Fargo, ND, Brian (Michelle) Aanstad, Hampden, Purnell Aanstad, Wahpeton, ND and Bradley (Patti Peterson) Aanstad, St. Cloud, MN; thirteen grandchildren Amy, Gary, Shelly and Cory, Travis and Austin, Katie, Luke, Josh and Melissa, Robert, Deidre and Laura; 14 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Jason; sister Avis Aanstad and in-laws Lauren and Bernice Lichtenbarger.

Serving as Casket Bearers for Morris will be his grandsons Gary Meyer, Cory Meyer, Travis Aanstad, Austin Aanstad, Bobby Aanstad and Luke Aanstad. Music will be provided by Joni Haglin.   

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Zoar Free Lutheran Church, Hampden with Reverend Craig Wentzel officiating. Burial will be in the Storlie Cemetery, rural Hampden in the spring.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, March 23^rd from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance at 5:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend Lori Broschat, Pastor First United Methodist Church.  Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.