David W. Asp, 90

Published 4:50 pm Saturday, June 4, 2011

David Asp

David Walfred Asp, a former resident of Austin, was 90 years young when he passed away unexpectedly the early afternoon of Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at his residence at McKenna Crossings in Prior Lake.

Dave Walfred Asp was born June 24, 1920, to the late Charles and Inga (Iverson) Asp in Thief River Falls.

He served in the C.C.C., and in the Navy, during World War II. Dave married Ardis Lavanger on July 18, 1947, at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo.

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He graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead in 1951. Dave began selling Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance while a student at Concordia. He remained with Lutheran Brotherhood for more than 35 years, serving 25 years as a general agent in Austin. where he and Ardis made their home.

Dave retired in 1985. He and Ardis moved to Faribault in 2003, before relocating to Prior Lake in 2010.

Dave was a faithful member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, and Bethel Ridge Lutheran Church in Faribault. A private pilot and proud Airstream owner, Dave loved traveling by air in his Cherokee 6, and over the road, usually behind the wheel of a Cadillac. He was an active member of the Lions Club of Austin, Civil Air Patrol and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

He enjoyed painting, woodworking, bird watching and coffee with friends. He delighted in time spent with family.

Dave’s effervescent personality, gentle spirit and loyal nature were a testament to the Lord he served. His family and many friends are truly blessed to have known and loved him.

He will be loved and missed by Ardis, his wife of 64 years; children: Stephen (Susan) Asp, Jean (Dale) Torgerson, Paul (Joy) Asp; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings: Charles Asp, Paul Asp, Barbara (Ted) Galambos; sisters-in-law, Betty Asp, Lillie Asp.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Oliver, Arthur, Mildred, Harold, James, George, Robert and Bjarne.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN, and one hour prior to the service at church. A celebration of life service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, at Bethel Ridge Lutheran Church 1503 Bethel Court, Faribault, MN. Pastor Ron Wik will officiate. David will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis with full military honors.

Memorials preferred and will be distributed in Dave’s memory by the family. Arrangements are made by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel, www.ballardsunderfuneral.com.