Brent Askvig

Brent Askvig

Dec. 7, 1958-May 7, 2026

Fargo

Brent Askvig, 67, died Thursday, May 7, 2026, in a Fargo hospice facility surrounded by his loving family.

Most people knew him as Brent, even though he had earned the title of Dr. But as his youngest son, Ethen, reminded him, “yeah he’s a doctor; but he can’t really help people.” The truth is, Brent spent his entire life helping people in ways that mattered.

Born on December 7, 1958, in Minot, North Dakota, Brent was the oldest son of Pat (Schaefer) and Donald Oliver Askvig. He grew up in Des Lacs and stayed close with his Class of ’77 classmates throughout his life. After graduating from Minot State University, he began his career in special education and later earned his PhD from the University of Idaho.

Brent loved his boys. He bragged about them constantly to coworkers, friends, classmates, anyone who would listen. If you spent more than five minutes with him, you knew exactly what Josh and Ethen were up to, Whether it was a sports highlight, a work achievement, or a life milestone, because he couldn’t help but share.

Becoming “Papa Brent” was one of the great joys of his life. His grandkids remember him through the small, everyday moments that stuck with them:

• Wynn remembers board games & art projects, along with the Kentucky Derby weekend he spent watching the kids — complete with snacks, horse names, and colored‒in racehorses.

• Terner remembers being called “bucket head” with a grin.

• McKale remembers early‒morning hunts and “Ridin’ the Storm Out” playing as they drove to the fields.

• Dyson remembers fishing trips, Papa’s loud commentary, hunting and fishing videos on his phone, and sledding behind the four‒wheeler.

• Layla remembers painting and wearing oversized shirts while helping with his projects.

• Kennedy remembers being pulled on a sled behind the four‒wheeler and the wild ride that ended with her screaming and Papa laughing.

Brent and his wife of 47 years, Stacy, loved traveling together. They enjoyed exploring new places and finding local shops and small discoveries along the way. On each trip, they looked for a new nativity to add to Stacy’s growing collection — a simple tradition they shared wherever they went.

Brent cared deeply about family history. He traced the family’s Norwegian roots and made sure his siblings, cousins, and grandkids knew where they came from. He stayed connected with relatives, friends, and classmates throughout his life.

Brent spent most of his professional life at Minot State University with the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD), beginning in 1991. He served in several roles, eventually becoming Executive Director until his retirement in 2021.

He was a strong advocate for people with disabilities. He coordinated the Consumer Advisory Council, ensuring that disability perspectives guided NDCPD’s work. He built a long‒standing partnership with NAKU in Norway, exchanging ideas and strengthening international connections. He authored One Hundred Years, documenting the history of disabilities in North Dakota.

Brent also worked closely to support NDCPD initiatives, including the creation of the Nelson Room. He served on the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Board, was active in Sertoma, and supported the 2nd Story Club.

Many colleagues, students, and staff credit Brent with helping them grow professionally and personally.

Brent enjoyed chess, including chess by mail. He loved hunting with his dogs: Sara, Teia, Doc, Mocha, Storm, Aspen, and Brenna. He also loved fishing, especially as a way to reconnect with friends, classmates, or his sons. Later in life, he took up oil painting and woodworking- especially cutting boards. He created pieces that now hang or sit in family and friends homes.

Brent is survived by his wife, Stacy Askvig; his sons Josh (Crystal) Askvig and Ethen (Jayla) Askvig; and his grandchildren McKale, Dyson, Kennedy, Terner, Layla, and Wynn. He is also survived by his mother Pat Theisen, Minot; his brothers Gary (Jeanne) Askvig, Donny (Jody) Askvig, Curt (Kylene) Askvig, and David (Darcy) Theisen; nine nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Brent was preceded in death by Donald Oliver Askvig, Donald Theisen, infant twin siblings, and one brother and one sister.

Brent made a difference in the lives of his family, his colleagues, and the disability community he served for decades. His influence will continue through the people he supported, mentored, and loved.

Mass of Christian Burial: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026 at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Inurnment: Columbarium at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Brent’s Party: Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Room 221 at Planet Pizza, 220 S Broadway Suite B, Minot, ND 58701 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, the ASTEP Program at Minot State University or the Second Story of Minot.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 11, 2026.