Richard Gaasland

Richard Gaasland, 77, Mandan, died September 13, 2018, at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck.  Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 19, at First Lutheran Church, Mandan, with the Reverends Lee Herberg and Christina Martin officiating.  Burial will be held in St. John’s Cemetery, rural Mandan.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan.  Visitation continues one hour before services at the church.

Richard was born November 24, 1940, in Litchville to Arne and Lydia (Schumacher) Gaasland.  He was raised and educated south of Tappen.  He married JoAnn Walker on July 12, 1969.  Richard was both a hard worker and a dedicated volunteer.  After beginning work as a young man, he worked until days before his final hospitalization.  His first job was at the Mandan Creamery; his final job was at ParkMed at Sanford Hospital.  He entered Sanford Hospital on August 12, three days after his last shift at ParkMed after working for more than 53 years.

Richard was a member of the Mandan Jaycees and the Mandan Eagles.  He was proud to serve as president, trustee, and chaplain of the Mandan Eagles during his membership.  A dedicated member of First Lutheran Church in Mandan for 49 years, he was a tireless volunteer.  He served as an usher, communion server, made coffee for Sunday services, and assisted with church dinners.  He was especially proud of his work at the lutefisk suppers.  Even on his death bed, he expressed concern about preparing for the upcoming supper.  His pastimes included woodworking, assisting his wife with baking, cooking, and making craft items for sale.   Together, they prepared delicious lefse and sweets for many families, catered many meals, and made many wedding cakes.

Richard will be deeply missed by his daughter Stacy (Trent) Aune; his granddaughters, Katelyn Rose and Kylie Jo; his brother, Gary (Dorene) Gaasland; his sister, Linda (Robert) Robinson and many nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn; his parents, Arne and Lydia; his great-nephew, Benjamin Leingang; and his great-niece, Isabel la Robillard.