Harry Palmer Aslagson

November 2, 1917 – November 4, 2006

Harry Palmer Aslagson, son of Henry and Gina (Klevann) Aslagson, was born November 2, 1917 in White Bear Township in Pope County, Minnesota, where he grew up. He was baptized on December 18, 1917 and confirmed in 1931 at St. John's Lutheran Church in New Prairie Township in Pope County, by Reverend G.O. Forde. Harry began his schooling at District #41 through the 8th grade and continued his education at Starbuck High School, where he graduated in 1936. Following his schooling, Harry worked on the family farm and Starbuck Cement Products until 1943. On June 7, 1941, he was united in marriage to Margaret Hanse at St. Petri Church in Cyrus by Reverend Sverre Torgerson.

On September 2, 1943, Harry was inducted into the United States Army Air Corp, where he served in WWII. Staff Sergeant Aslagson, served as a waist gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress of the 95th Bombardment Group. He was awarded the Air Medal for "meritorious achievement" while participating in Eighth Air Force bombing attacks on vital German industrial targets, and a Nazi airfield, supply dumps and gun emplacements in support of advances by Allied ground forces on the Continent. Sgt. Aslagson was a member of the Fortress group which led the first American bombing attack on targets in Berlin. Harry flew a total of two hundred seventy two hours and forty five minutes in combat against the enemy. He received five Oak Leaf Clusters during the time he served. Harry was one of many veterans honored by Gov. Jesse Ventura the week of October 8 - 14, 2002, which was proclaimed the Mighty Eighth Air Force Week to recognize the contributions by members of that unit made during WWII. The unit lost over 100 heavy bombers during the second week of October in 1943. Harry was also awarded the certificate to recognize the allied soldiers who took part to the Normandy Landing and contributed to the liberation of France in 1944 to 1945. He received an honorable discharge on October 13, 1945.

Following his discharge, Harry returned to Starbuck, where he and Margaret lived and raised their family. He began working for Nodland Construction Company. After 35 years with Nodland's he went to work with Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik, Inc. He retired in 1995. Harry and Margaret have continued to live in Starbuck since that time.

Harry was a member of Minnewaska Lutheran Church, where he served as head usher, Sunday school teacher and on the church council. Harry served as director on the Minnewaska Lutheran Home Board of Directors and was a member of the Starbuck American Legion and a charter member of the VFW. 

Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, his annual 95th Bomb Group Reunion trips, where he traveled throughout the country for the groups 25 reunions. He was a MN Twins and a MN Vikings fan. He liked to do crossword puzzles and playing card games, drives throughout the countryside with his faithful and constant companions, Skippy and Max, and putzing around the yard and house with improvement projects. He loved spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with Kayo, chauffeuring him to biking and skiing events and acting as his personal coach.

Harry died on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at Bethany Community Home in Alexandria, having lived to reach the age of 89 years.

He is survived by his wife: Margaret Aslagson of Starbuck; four children: Kayo Aslagson of Starbuck, Jody (Douglas) Thompson of Karlstad, Nadine (Steven) Moeller of Duluth and Camille (Dwight) Wollin of Karlstad; nine grandchildren: Jill Thompson, Brian Thompson, Nadeen Wilson, Stacy Orlette, Kristin Moeller, Craig Moeller, Anthony Wollin, Adam Wollin, Andrew Wollin and Kayo's dog, Rex; four great-grandchildren: Drake and Nick Thompson and Nathan and Mallory Wilson and one sister: Vivian Olson of Glenwood. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant twin brother and sister; brother: Sidney Aslagson and his faithful companions: Skippy and Max.

Pallbearers for the service are: Brian Thompson, Craig Moeller, Anthony Wollin, Adam Willin, Andrew Wollin, Timothy Aslagson, Daniel Olson and James Wesen. Honorary pallbearers are: all of Harry's family and friends. Monica Gosseling will serve as organist for the service with Becky Worner serving as soloist. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.