Lori Askew

lori askew
Lori's Live Streamed Services will be viewable below: Funeral Service at Olivet Lutheran Church:
Prayer Service at Boulger Funeral Home:
We said farewell to our dear wife, mother, sister, and friend, Lori Askew, on February 4, 2022 at Sanford Health Hospital. She was surrounded by her family in her final moments and will be missed by many. Loretta Kay (Schultz) Askew was born on September 11, 1959 in Minot, ND to George and Ava Schultz as the youngest of six children. She grew up and went to school in Minot, ND. She started her college years at Minot State University, and eventually transferred to the University of North Dakota where she earned her degree in Business Management. UND was where she met the love of her life, Joe Askew, while working together in the dish-room at the Wilkerson complex. After a mostly long-distance relationship, Joe and Lori were married April 19, 1986 in Minot, ND and moved to Fargo, ND to start their lives together. Lori and Joe started expanding their family in March 1990, when their daughter Kate was born. Then in September 1994, they completed their family of 4 by welcoming Tom. Lori spent the majority of her working career as a Professional Legal Secretary working 24 years for various law firms before transitioning to NDSU as an Administrative Assistant for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program. During her time in law, she was awarded the “Legal Secretary of the Year” for the state of North Dakota. At NDSU, she thrived working with others, especially the students in the nursing program. Her friendly smile was always there to welcome them to the office. Lori had many hobbies, including baking, traveling/camping, going to movies, playing games with friends/family, and scrapbooking. She completed over 40 scrapbooks, many posterboards, and loved to attend semi-annual scrapbooking retreats with life-long friends. Lori also had a strong faith and relationship with God. As an active member of Olivet Lutheran Church, she served on the church council and taught confirmation classes. Additionally, she was very involved in Girl Scouts as Kate’s troop co-leader for 13 years. Seven girls under her guidance achieved their Gold Awards. For several years, she was also the Cookie Chair for the Heart of South Fargo. Lori was known for her quick wit, “punny” sense of humor, and kind and caring personality. She lit up a room with her variety of laughs, big hugs, and ability to connect with anyone. She cherished every moment spent with friends and family. She was the most loving wife and mother, which was her greatest achievement. Lori is survived by her husband Joe, daughter Kate (Jordan), and son Tom; Sisters: Suellen Palya, Mesa, AZ; Linda Muma, Auburn, WA; Peggy Walter (Ron), Minot, ND; brother-in-law: Bob Askew, West Fargo, ND; and sisters-in-law: Deb Schultz, Minot, ND; Dee Strand (Steve), San Diego, CA; Tammy Askew, West Fargo, ND. Nieces and nephews, Janelle Janes (Kyle), Bob Steinke (Jean), Jenny Watson (Steve), Patrick Muma (Lindsay), Liz Muma, Zach Schultz (Jazmine), Andy Walter (Summer), Wade Walter, Kayley Walter (Nolan), Hayley Walter, Ian Strand, Emily Strand, Greta Strand, Marie Askew, and Jamie Askew. Lori was preceded in death by her mother Ava, father George, brothers Orville and Chuck, father and mother-in-law Bob and Diane Askew; and brothers-in-law Roy Palya, Paul Cox, and Mike Muma; nephew Kris Steinke.

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  1. Joe and family,
    We are so very sorry for the loss of Lori. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏼
    ~Tony and Dawn

  2. I will always remember her kindness and her enthusiasm for our nursing students. My deepest sympathy to family, friends, colleagues and students.

  3. Joseph, Kate and Tom, we are so sorry to hear of Lori’s passing! May God be with you as you deal with this devastating loss. You are in our prayers.

  4. Dear Joe and Family,
    I am so sincerely sorry for your loss. I worked with Lori at NDSU and loved running into her at Olivet. On Wednesday night of last week I bumped into a former NDSU nursing student, now RN, who shared the impact Lori and her co-worker Jane had on him during his time at NDSU. I would imagine there are many similar stories circulating right now. I will never forget Lori’s smile, love of puns, and hugs. Just less than a month ago Lori gave me one of her famous hugs and I am so grateful for that moment. Love and prayers to you as you remember your wonderful wife and mom.

  5. Joe, Katie and Tom,
    Sending you prayers, comfort and strength as you navigate the rough rapids ahead with the passing of Lori. May you find moments of calm water to cherish all the wonderful memories you share.

  6. Lori was such a lovely woman with a bright sense of humor. I am so sorry for your loss, Askew family. You are in my thoughts and prayers, always.

  7. Joe,
    We are so sorry to hear about Lori. We fondly remember joining Good News at the same time and getting to know you two there. You are in our prayers–Paul and Shannon

  8. Dear Joe, Katie, and Tom,

    Our hearts are broken in the NDSU School of Nursing. Lori was such an important part of our family. She went out of her way to make sure everyone felt welcome. Lori will be remembered for her kind heart, great sense of humor, quirky play on words, hearty laugh, and beautiful smile. Lori always said “Nursing is the funnest department on campus” — but we all know that she played such an important part of making it a fun place to be. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  9. Tommy,
    We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We are thinking of you and your family and praying for you.

    Denise and Gene Jordan

  10. Joe, Katie, and Tom, we are so saddened by the loss of a beautiful cousin, wife, mom, and so much more by the many wonderful things others are saying here and on Facebook. May God give you the grace, peace, wisdom, patience, and love needed during this time. May her wonderful memories keep you moving forward stopping to honor and celebrate who she is and the mark she left. You are loved by so many. Praying for you!

  11. Joe, Katie, Tommy — I’m so sorry for loss! Lori was a one-of-a-kind person and I am so sad at her passing. I will always remember her for her word play on names, like Christmas Garylle for Gary Stewart. Our Solberg Gals group will never be the same! Blessings on you all.

  12. Lori represented the very best of North Dakota. So many times, she was light & warmth during the often cold & dark last year. My condolences to all her family & loved ones, she cherished all of you very much. So so sorry. Wishing your Spirit God Speed my dear friend.

  13. I loved working with Lori at NDSU the past two years. She made me feel welcome from the first day. I am going to miss our weekly chats. You were witty and charming and brought a lot of joy to this world. You loved your family more than anything. Sending my sympathy to all her family, friends, and loved ones.

  14. Joe and family,
    We are so saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. Are thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Krisanne, Dana and family

  15. Joe and family this quote keeps coming to mind as I read all of the tributes to Lori not only here but on Facebook as well – The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

    Lori did it in spades. The world will seem a bit darker but there is one more bright star in the skies. She will be greatly missed.

    God’s peace – Bonny

  16. Lori’s kindness and smile will be missed! I always enjoyed stopping by to visit Lori while in the nursing department.

  17. Joe, Tom and Kate, I am keeping you in my prayers for comfort, peace and strength. Lori was such a shining light in this world and absolutely the kindest soul. I am so very sorry for your loss. Pam Schott

  18. Dearest Lori, I teasure the friendship we have had for the past 62 years. growing up across the street from each other. You will forever be in my heart and thought of with love and tenderness.

    Rest In Peace, God’s Precious Angel. I love you!

  19. Dear Joe, Kate and Tom and family,
    We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Lori. She was so proud of your awesome family. I’m certain that her loving arms are wrapped around each of you from above and that she is as beautiful as an angel in heaven as she was to us here on earth. We hope your many, many cherished memories bring you comfort over time. Rest In Peace Lori, we will all miss you so much.

  20. Joe, Kate and Tom,
    My deepest sympathies on the passing of Lori. I will always remember her from Good News. She was always smiling and joking and made everyone feel welcome. She was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

  21. Askew family you have been the second family for Cole and All the Rokke’s send their prayers and love to you!!! She was a shining star on this earth and I could only hope to be a good mother like her! She will be missed!

  22. Thinking of you, Joe, Kate & Tom
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Sending Prayers for Peace & Comfort.
    My Deepest Sympathy

  23. My heart goes out to you, Joe,Tom, and Kate. I had the pleasure of getting to know you when I was an Aunt as a part of the Fargo South boys basketball family. I was blessed meeting Lori and enjoying some very special times. She was such a delight!

  24. I am deeply saddened hearing about Lori’s passage to be with our Lord and Savior. I love her with all my heart. We were childhood friends and neighbors. Lori was truly the best and will be miss by all that were fortunate enough to call her friend. Rest with the Lord, my lovely dear friend. You will be missed dearly.

  25. Joe and Family,
    Our deepest condolences for your loss. Life is fragile and precious. We know the memories of Lori will live on in the simple things and little reminders in your days and weeks ahead. She will be terribly missed and never forgotten. There will be times when the smallest of things brings a smile to your face as it will remind you of Lori and once again you can be grateful for the togetherness shared.

  26. Joe, Kate, Tom and all of Lori’s family,
    We send our condolences. Lori will be missed by so many. We had good times in PTA several years and taking in our son’s soccer games every fall and making the memory books for the players. Lori was a fun person and her laugh was a “hearty giggle”! We wish you peace.
    Char and Mark Laney

  27. Offering my love and support during this devastating time of loss. Feel God’s loving arms around you during this time of adjustment.

  28. I am so sorry to read of Lori’s passing. She and I met while working at NDSU. Her smiling face will definitely be missed on campus. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  29. Bitter sweet to live as long as we have…must say good bye to some really good people and try to take comfort in the end of their journey to heaven
    I am tired of being sad, because even though there is better because Lori is there; Here is less because Lori is not here
    God speed, put in a good word for us who still struggle
    Bob n Susie

  30. So very sad to lose a cherished childhood friend like Lori. Rest In Peace, Heaven’s newest angel. 😇

  31. My deepest sympathies to Lori’s family. I have worked with Lori at NDSU for several years. Lori was always quick with a smile and going beyond to help students and colleagues. Lifting you up in prayer.

  32. I am so sorry to learn of Lori’s death. Her beautiful smile is heaven’s gain and our loss. My prayers and sympathy are with her family. May their memories of her kind and loving presence as well as their faith bring them comfort.

  33. I taught at CBE Middle School from its opening in 2006 until I retired in 2012. During those years we were fortunate to have the best PTA president in America, Lori Askew. Her attitude and support made every day feel like Teacher Appreciation Day. We were also fortunate to have Kate and Tom as students. My condolences to Joe, Kate, and Tom. Lori’s good works made thousands of lives better.

  34. I knew Lori for many years through Girl Scouts, nursing functions & Olivet Lutheran Church. We hadn’t seen each other for quite awhile but on Monday we saw each other at the grocery store & chatted awhile. I am so thankful for that chance meeting. She greeted me with such a warm smile!
    My deepest sympathy to Lori’s entire family.
    She will be missed.

  35. Lori was a loyal Fargo South parent, proud of the Bruins and supportive of all the kids. She was also a great colleague at NDSU in the College of
    Health Professions. She was kind and a great conversationalist. Lori will be greatly missed. Sympathies to the whole family.

  36. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, Joe and your entire family. Lori was such a dear and loving person. We remember the fun days at the Solberg Law Firm with Lori with such fondness–hoping that Katie might be born on March 4th because it would be such a great day for a parade! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

  37. Lori was a great Girl Scout leader and positively influenced many young girls lives. Will continue to think of her when I see the cookies.

  38. Joe, I am so terribly sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your beautiful bride. You and your children are in our thoughts and prayers.

  39. My dear friend and former co-worker is gone and I’m so sad. Lori was one of the greatest people I’ve known. I will miss our birthday lunches which always came with a big hug as a bonus. She was one of the kindest, happiest, considerate, delightful, and loving person ever. She loved her family above all else and she has preserved all that in her beautiful scrapbooks. Fraser will miss her cheerful greetings when she would come into the clinic. Rest In Peace dear Lori. We will miss you.

  40. Joe and Family
    I’m so sorry for your loss. Lori was an amazing lady & I glad I got to know her.
    Robyn @ Majidian Dental

  41. Lori was the cousin that was closest to my age when we were young….and my partner in crime! We got into and out of trouble multiple times and in multiple ways over the years as kids – blaming each other with lots of animated finger-pointing when we finally got caught. Then giving ourselves high-5’s when the adults got tired of our blame-game excuses and kicked us BOTH out of the house. (Hence the high-5’s) Then off to our next scheme of whatever we could think up. Will miss you, Lori. Been enjoying the emails and pictures back and forth of old times. See ya ‘there’, Lori. Love, Deane.

  42. Beautiful service to celebrate Lori’s life! Our deepest sympathy to all who are grieving. Peace and Love,
    Jim and Sherry Heilmann and families

  43. Lori was the first person I met on my DNP journey. She had such a lovely smile and manner. She put you at ease and made you feel welcome. She was a special lady and will missed greatly.


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