Dorothy (White) Aasen

Dorothy Aasen

April 26, 1934-August 10, 2026

Dorothy Aasen, 92, of West Fargo, ND, formerly of Bowman, ND, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at New Perspective Senior Living.

She was born on April 26, 1934, in Fort Dodge, IA, to Charles and Florence White. She grew up with her older twin siblings, Jane and Gordon, and her younger sister, Kay. After graduating from Glenwood High School in Glenwood, IA, in 1952, Dorothy worked as a secretary for Mutual of Omaha Insurance in Omaha, NE for approximately six years.

While visiting family in Bowman, ND, Dorothy was introduced to Roy Aasen by her sister, Kay. She had always hoped to marry a farmer, and when Roy took her along to sell seed on their first date, she knew he was the one. Roy and Dorothy were married on September 27, 1958, in Thurman, IA, slightly less than a year after they first met.  They made their home on a farm 13 miles south of Bowman.

Dorothy enjoyed her role as a farmwife and always went above and beyond during harvest by preparing lavish meals and desserts for Roy and his crew in the field. She also became especially known for hosting extravagant Christmas Eve gatherings for Roy’s large family. During the 12 years before her daughter was born, Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her many nieces and nephews. She was especially fond of sewing, and she made clothing for her nieces, along with many outfits for their Barbie dolls. Roy and Dorothy welcomed their daughter, Roxanne “Roxie,” in 1969.

They purchased the local Tastee Freeze in Bowman in 1981, and Dorothy and her sister, Kay, managed it for 12 years. During that time, many young people had their first job there, learning from Dorothy the value of hard work, good service, and a smile. Many acquaintances became close friends during the Tastee Freeze years.

Along with being a farmwife and managing the Tastee Freeze, she enjoyed family time and was active in Bowman Lutheran Church, the Three in One Homemakers Club, and volunteering at the local nursing home.

Roy and Dorothy continued to farm until 2009. After Roy’s passing in 2012, Dorothy remained in Bowman for 12 years until moving to West Fargo in 2024 to be closer to Roxie and her family.

Dorothy adored her two grandchildren, Parker and Presley, and cherished her role as “Meme.” She and Roy made many trips to Fargo and often met Roxie and her family in Bismarck, where the children could stay at a hotel and swim. There are many photos and memories of Meme dressed up, wearing silly makeup and lipstick on her face, and playing on the floor with her grandchildren.

When Dorothy was with her sisters, almost everything they did together became comical. She will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and love for laughter.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy Aasen; her brother, Gordon White; her sister, Jane Andersen; her brother-in-law, Bill Andersen; and her brother-in-law, Herman Fletcher.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Roxie and Justin Faris; her grandchildren, Parker and Presley Faris; her sister, Kay Fletcher of Sterling, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at West Funeral Home in West Fargo, ND, on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 5:30 pm. A burial service will be held at the Bowman Cemetery on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to an organization of the donor’s choice.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy (White) Aasen, please visit our floral store.