My name is David Perez and I had the honor of honor of knowing Rolf. He was a great guy and was a funny guy. I’m a Marine Corps Veteran and I know what he went through in WW2. He survived hell and I had the honor of being part of his family for a while. I will regret the loss always.
Rolf Slen
May 28, 1924 ~ May 30, 2026
Rolf Slen died May 30, 2026, peacefully in his sleep at Bethany Retirement Living on 42nd, Fargo, ND, at age 102.
Rolf was born May 28, 1924 in Madison, MN, to Theodor and Lyla (Isaacson) Slen. He graduated from Madison High School in 1942and then enrolled at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, completing one semester. WWII intervened and in February 1943, Rolf entered active duty with the US Army Air Force. He qualified as an aerial gunner and navigator and flew 40 missions on a B-24 bomber in the Pacific area. He was awarded 8 Campaign Ribbons, 5 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. He later wrote 5 memoirs about his experiences in that war.
After the war, he returned to St. Olaf College and graduated in 1948. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1952. His legal career included 7 years on the staff of the Attorney General of MN and in private practice in Albert Lea, MN, until he retired in 1992. Rolf married Judith “Judy” Gilthvedt in 1959, to which union 3 children were born: Kaaren Slen (Donald Olson) of Fresno, CA; Vik Slen (Aaron Guerrero) of Jacksonville, FL, and Heidi Slen (James) Walsh of Roseville, MN. He is also survived by 2grandchildren, Seamus Walsh (Alli) and Beret Walsh (Andrew Barone) and one great grandchild, Lyla Walsh.
Rolf married Elizabeth “Liz“ Skjolden in 1983. Although Liz preceded him in death in December 2025, he is survived by Liz’s 4 children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom he considered family.
Rolf competed in 19 5K road races in ND and FL after reaching the age of 90. He competed in his last road race at age 95. One of his favorite Bible verses was Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us.”
He also enjoyed playing bridge and reading poetry, history and biographies. He enjoyed writing letters to the editor.
He was a lifelong Democrat who voted for every Democrat running for president after Harry Truman ran in 1948. Rolf was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Sons of Norway and Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND.
Rolf Slen’s Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 3636 25th St., Fargo, ND, on July 10 at 11am, visitation at 10:00 AM.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
