Alden Ohnstad

Alden O. Ohnstad, 83, Fargo passed away Monday, August 6, 2012 at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and his loving wife.

Alden was born November 21, 1928 in Gardner, N.D., to Olaus and Sophia (Stelter) Ohnstad. Alden graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1945. He worked for Hollis Green before attending college at NDSU, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Engineering. He was commissioned as an Air Force officer and became a pilot, serving through 1957.

On October 27, 1956, Alden married Joanne Brooks in Minneapolis, MN. To this union, 5 children were born. They made their home in Minnetonka, where Alden was employed at Honeywell where he worked on the Apollo Space Program. The couple moved back to Fargo in 1970 where he started his own business, A.O. Service. He worked until his health forced him to retire.

One of Alden’s passions was flying. He built a sailboat which ended up being sailed on Lake Superior. He also enjoyed working on old cars. He loved reading, especially books on WWII and any related Aircraft from that time period.

Alden is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne, Fargo; children, Amy Wichmann, Fargo; Jane (Matthew) Knudson, Waukesha, WI; Suzanne (Bryan) Jackson, Decatur, GA; Eric (Lacy) Ohnstad, Columbia, MD; Douglas (Kristi) Ohnstad, Fargo; grandchildren, Isaac, Joanna, Lauren, Daniel, Calvin, Luke, Quinn, Kennedy, and Amelia, great-grandchildren; David, Skye, Chambers, brothers; John (Rose) Ohnstad, Fargo; William Ohnstad, Hopkins, MN; and sister, Esther Beckwith, WA.

Alden was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold, sister, Carolyn and grandson, Kade.

Alden’s family would like to thank Hospice of the RRV and Alden’s granddaughter, Joanna for their kindness and support during his care.