Marian Askim

Minot

On March 4th, 2026 Marian Askim (age 91) passed peacefully at Trinity Hospital surrounded by her children after a short hospitalization for pneumonia. A lifelong follower of Jesus and a faithful member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, she welcomed eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Marian Herborg Sand was born February 14,1935 in Grand Forks, ND to Erik and Helen (Grant) Sand. She attended Oakville #41 Elementary School and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1953. She continued her education at NDSU, attaining a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and a Minor in Science in 1957. She met Floyd W Askim while at NDSU; they married August 4th, 1957 at the Emerado Presbyterian Church. Their first home was in Hunter, ND where Marian taught at Hunter High School. After moving to Minot in 1959, Marian devoted 10 years at home caring for their Karen, Sheryl, Dean and Kay; and after returning to work, son Chad. In 1969 Marian resumed teaching, she was a Home Economics educator until retirement in 1993, first at Jim Hill and later Central Campus. She was proud to be an educator and belonged to many professional organizations (NEA, NDEA, MEA, AVA, NDAV, AHEA, NDHEA and NW Home Economics Assn.)

Marian and Floyd enjoyed their retirement years commuting from Minot to their cabin at Rice Lake. They spent many summers with 9 grandchildren playing on the beach and visiting the Roosevelt Park Zoo. Floyd entered eternal life on December 16, 2012. Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were central to her life; she sent cards, gave thoughtful gifts and relished visits, phone calls and texting with her family.

Marian, always excited to join and support a worthy cause, was a lifelong volunteer! She was active at church as a Sunday School and VBS teacher, a Deacon, Trustee and as a member of bible study, book club and Circle. She thoroughly enjoyed her involvement with Republican Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Friends of the Minot Public Library, and PEO Chapters AL and AG. She volunteered at the ND State Fair, the Scandinavian Heritage Park, Amtrak Trails and Rails, the Norsk Hostfest, the Great Tomato Festival and the Minot Shrine Club.

Marian was a social coordinator, who thrived on bringing people together for activities and fellowship. Moving into The View gave her the perfect environment to host and attend events. She participated in group crafting activities, fieldtrips, bible study and movie nights. She dined daily with friends and cared for neighbors. Until early this year she continued to organize gatherings of friends from church, 8th Avenue, HomeEc, and the YMCA; while at The View she founded a book club and co-founded a singing group.

In 2025 Marian relished every moment of celebration, each handwritten note and many Facebook messages honoring her 90th Birthday and was proud to be the oldest member of the Sand family at the Sand Farm Centennial in July.

Her loving family includes: Karen of Eden Prairie, MN; Sheryl (Jim) of Minot, Dean (Julie) of Henderson, NV; Kay (Travis) of Bismarck; Chad (Helen) of Williston. Her sister, Phylis of Rancho Mirage, CA and sister-in-law Gwenie of Park River. Grandchildren Sean (Melissa) Cameron, Tana (Greg) Hamilton, Jessica (Paul) Tuck, Dustin (Elle) Askim, Cole (Hannah) Gregurek, McKenzie (Ian) Kratochvil, Quinton Gregurek, Gentry (Mitch) Meyer, Aspen Cameron, Giles Askim and Ivan Askim. Great Grandchildren Jaeger, Nolan and Lynnley Hamilton, Sawyer, Oliver, Lennon and Dax Tuck, Aston and Ozzie Gregurek, Autumn Shockley, Kit and Sutton Meyer, and Cooper Askim. Numerous loving & attentive nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter Maddeline Cameron, siblings Floyd (Lola), Lawrence (Ilene), Stanley (Darlene), Edith (Reed), Dorothy (Randy), brothers-in-law: Paul, Clifford and Harvey (Irene).

Per Marian’s wishes a private family graveside service will be held at Rosehill Memorial Park prior to her celebration of life at the church.

Celebration of Life is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 11am at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Minot.

Visitation and viewing will be Sunday, March 22nd 4pm-6pm with a prayer and share to follow from 6pm-7pm at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Minot Arts in the Park, Scandinavian Heritage Association or Metigoshe Ministries.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 16, 2026.