Gertrude P. Askegaard

Gertrude P. Askegaard, age 87, of Comstock, MN, died Monday, November 15, 2010, in Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead, MN, surrounded by her family.Gertrude Pankow was born on April 10, 1923, on the family farm to August Sr. and Ida Tiegs Pankow. She grew up and attended country school in Belford Township near Hankinson, ND. On June 9, 1950, she married David Dunham Askegaard. Gertrude was baptized, confirmed and married in St. John's Lutheran Church near Hankinson, ND. After their marriage, they lived in Comstock on the farm where she resided for 57 years before entering Eventide Lutheran Home three years ago. David died on April 8, 1992.Gertrude was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Lady Bugs Garden Club and WELCA. She was also an active part of the Eventide Auxiliary, for which she spent over 25 years hairdressing. She was a very competitive person who enjoyed winning when playing cards and croquet and was also an avid Comstock-Rustad softball player and fan. Gertrude's home was always open. She was a wonderful hostess who could easily whip up a meal to ensure that she never sent anyone away hungry. She also enjoyed gardening and ceramics, but most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Blessed be the memory of Gertrude Askegaard.She is survived by three sons, Tom Kathy Askegaard of Comstock, MN, Ed Susan Deichert Askegaard and Andrew Marion Askegaard; two daughters, Anne Rick Brakke and Ruth Scott Blilie, all of Moorhead, MN; two brothers, Arnold Marge Pankow of Wahpeton, ND and Rudolph Edith Pankow of Hankinson, ND; one sister, Lorraine Pederson of Lake Park, MN; ten grandchildren, Matthew Megan, Michael, Mason, Ben, Leah, Isaac and Samuel Askegaard, Daniel Blilie, Luke Brakke and Kristina Jarod Sutten, one great-grandson, Kolten Sutten and many friends and family.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; infant son, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Daria Waller Askegaard; granddaughter, Nicole Anne Blilie; brothers, John, Herman, Rueben, Franklin and August Jr.; and sisters, Margaret Steffens and Ida Tobin. The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers of Eventide for the wonderful care and support.