Brenda Aasen

Minot

Brenda Aasen, 64, of Minot, ND, died Friday, January 30, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, ND surrounded by her loving family.

Brenda was born on May 13, 1961, Minot, North Dakota to Curtis & Ellen (Forbes) Hedstrand. She was raised in rural Sawyer, attending elementary school at Bell School and high school in Sawyer.

Brenda grew up helping with the family business, Hedstrand Gardens, where they grew vegetables and produce. This sparked both a love for fresh vegetables and a knack for growing beautiful flowers and plants. Brenda also enjoyed cooking, baking and treasured time spent creating countless memories with friends and family.

Brenda was blessed with 3 sons: Sheldon, Travis & Brock. She always provided her family with a strong work ethic and tackled tasks with determination and pride. Brenda’s family & grandkids brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Grandma Brenda loved baking cookies for the grandkids at Christmas time and teaching them how to make lefse. There was never a shortage of sugar or side-by-side rides at Grandma Brenda’s house.

Sharing over 25 years together, Brenda’s partner in life was Tom “Bob” Aasen. They were married on December 12, 2012. With this union, Brenda gained additional family: Shelly (Aasen) Carlson & Michael Aasen. Bob & Brenda enjoyed traveling, camping, side-by-side rides & spending time with family and friends.

Brenda was a long-time member of the Moose Lodge in Minot, ND.

Brenda will be missed by all who shared in her life. Her spirit and the love she shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Her loving family includes: her husband, Bob Aasen. Children: Sheldon (Jennifer) Anhorn, East Grand Forks, MN; Travis (Shari) Anhorn, Minot, ND, Brock (Amber) Francis, Velva, ND; Shelly (Ron) Carlson, Moorhead, MN, and Michael (Jamie) Aasen, Munich, Germany. Grandchildren: Brynn & Braiden Anhorn, Trayton (Josie) Wolff, Cohen & Jarik Anhorn, Huxley & Chett Francis, McKinnon (Tori) Carlson, Jordan Carlson, Drake Aasen, Emery Aasen. Mother: Ellen Hedstrand. Siblings: Gregg Hedstrand, Darwin (Flora) Hedstrand, Lisa (Ken) Morgan, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Curtis Hedstrand; sister, Connie Shevshenko; nephew, Jarid Hedstrand; in-laws Tom & Ardis (Heizelman) Aasen.

Visitation: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5-7 pm at Thomas Family Funeral Home.

Funeral: Friday, February 6, 2026, 10 am at Zion Lutheran Church.

To view a livestream of the service access: https://www.youtube.com/@ZionMinot/streams

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 3, 2026.