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AALGAARD, Selmer Olaf
Was born on June 19, 1925, to Peter and Anna Aalgaard in Hannaford, N.D. He passed away peacefully at his home in Citrus Heights, Calif., on April 5, 2010, with his family by his side. He was raised in North Dakota during the Great Depression and at age 16 joined the CCC and worked in Montana. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S Navy and was stationed on the destroyer U.S.S. DeHaven (DD-469). He survived the sinking of the destroyer on Feb. 1, 1943. His second ship, the U.S.S. Hazelwood (DD-531) was hit by Japanese kamikaze planes. He later wrote a novel about these experiences. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to North Dakota where he met his wife Vera. They were married in 1945. Selmer attended the State School of Science at Whapeton, ND, and then the University of North Dakota at Grandforks, ND. He obtained a B.E. degree in Education. He taught and coached basketball, baseball and football in North Dakota and Montana. He moved to California in 1956 and taught a number of years at San Juan High school in Citrus Heights and later became an administrator at Casa Roble High School. He loved coaching and became an tireless advocate for disadvantaged students. He retired in 1980. Selmer was a avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, snow-skiing and camping with his family.
Selmer was preceded in death by his sisters Rose, Margaret, and Rachel, and by his brothers Leif, Algot, Leonard, and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vera, and daughter Vanda and son-in-law Alan Claunch of Merced, Calif., and by his sister Stella of Eugene, Ore., and brother Albert of Eureka, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the V.A. Hospital and the Sutter Hospice team for their guidance and support during Selmer's final days. There will be no services and interment will be in Hannaford, N.D. In lieu of flowers or donations, please contribute to VFW, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was saddened to receive the news of Sam`s passing , while I was wintering in Arizona. We had some wonderful times camping in the Salmon river valley near Stanley Idaho. My condolences to Vera and the rest of the Aalgaard Family. Russ Heasley Grizzly Flats, Ca
May 14, 2010
Vera, Vanda, Alan and the Aalgaard Family, you are in my heart and prayers
Gigi Berry
April 19, 2010
You have our deepest sympathy, Aunt Vera, Vanda and Alan, in your loss. May our loving Heavenly Father surround you with his mighty arms.Love and prayers from Claire and Gary Swenson of Valley City, ND.
April 13, 2010
On behalf of the USS DeHaven Sailors Association, I would like to offer our condolences to Vera and the entire Aalgaard family. Sam was a long time member of our association and he will be missed. His legacy lives on in his book "Tin Can 469".
Scott Martin
April 13, 2010
My sincere condolences to the Aalgaard family. Mr. Aalgaard was my drafting teacher at San Juan and I owe him a great deal, as I spent the next 40 years as a successful engineering draftsman.
Justin Morgan -Poulsbo,WA
April 11, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Love, Harv. and Kay Brudvig
April 11, 2010
I always thought Sam was very close to me. I got to know him many years before I met Al. Sam was a very good friend of my brother Rusky and he used to stay over at our house after basketball games and school parties. Sam called me "Sis" even before Al and I were married. Vera, Sam and Vanda have always been very close to Al and I and our children, we had lots of fun together. My love to Vera, Vanda and Alan. With much love, Bernice
April 11, 2010
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Aunt Vera and cousin Vanda and her husband Alan. You are in our hearts and prayers and we love you.
Ginger and Don Oelrich-Sabin, MN
April 11, 2010
Vanda, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. May you alway cherish your memories of him and may they be a comfort to you.
Ron Setzer
April 11, 2010
Duane Brudvig
April 11, 2010
My Uncle Sam was always someone I looked up to my whole life. He was also one of the main reasons I joined the navy. I have some wonderful memories of a time spent in Yellowstone fly fishing and touring with Sam and Vera. Ones I will never forget. Also the many times that Sam and Vera visited in North Dakota.
May he now rest in peace without pain in is happy hunting ground.
Larry Pratt
April 11, 2010
Please accept our condolences from Sam's birth state of North Dakota and the family of Lyle and Darlyne Brudvig. I remember Sam as my fun-lovingest uncle of all, even though I had but a short time to enjoy him as Uncle Sam. Lyle
Lyle Brudvig
April 11, 2010
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