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June 4, 1936-July 16, 2026
Minot
Richard Dean Slaaen, 90, passed away on July 16, 2026, at Trinity Nursing Home, Minot.
A viewing will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, at Stakston Martin Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Olafs, with burial to follow at Skabo Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived.
Richard lived a long and meaningful life marked by dedication to family, steady work, and a quiet resilience that carried him through nine decades of change. He was known for his steady presence, practical wisdom, and the warmth he showed to those fortunate enough to know him.
Richard was born June 4, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Torger and Esther Slaaen. He grew up with the values that shaped him throughout his life: hard work, loyalty, and humility. Richard attended Daneville #2 for grade school, Alkabo High School, and graduated from Oak Grove High School, Fargo in 1954. After graduation, he attended Hanson Tractor School in Fargo, before enlisting in the U.S. Army. In 1970, he began what would become a long and distinguished career as a boiler operator with the Civil Service at both the Fortuna and Minot Air Force Bases, where he served with unwavering dedication and pride.
On November 4, 1962, Richard married the love of his life, Cleo Mae Haugenoe, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Crosby, North Dakota. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and commitment. The family farmed in Daneville Township for more than 50 years and Richard continued to farm after moving to Minot in 1984. Richard took great pride in the land, the work, and the community that shaped so much of his life.
Richard was a lifelong member of the NRA and a passionate collector, finding joy in the history and craftsmanship behind his firearms, coins, Western memorabilia, and limited-edition prints. Each piece reflected his deep appreciation for the stories and artistry of the American West, and he loved sharing that knowledge with anyone who showed interest. Over the years Richard became involved with buying and selling firearms and enjoyed making lifelong friends and attending shows long after he no longer was actively selling as he wished to stay in touch with the many friends he had made. He also attended coin shows whenever possible, enjoying tracking down the exact piece he was looking for.
In his later years, Richard enjoyed the simple routines that brought him peace-visiting with family, staying connected to friends, and appreciating the familiar comforts of home. His gentle nature and steady kindness left an imprint on everyone around him.
Richard is survived by sons, Steve Slaaen (Mary) and Scott Slaaen (Tracey).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cleo; son, Timothy; parents, Torger and Esther; and sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Loren Westin.
Published by The Minot Daily News, July 22, 2026.