Bruce Gerald Aasen Sr., 91, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on December 9, 2025.
Bruce was born on June 20, 1934, in Arnegard, N.D., as Bruce Hystad, to his mother Selma Hystad. He was later adopted by his stepfather, Magnus Clifford Aasen, who raised him and gave him the Aasen name he carried with pride throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Magnus Aasen (June 1, 1914 – October 8, 1995) and Selma Aasen (March 16, 1910 – May 28, 1991), and by his beloved grandson, Bruce G. Aasen III of California (April 1, 1980 – December 25, 2018).
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Laureen M. Aasen, whom he married on October 24, 1987; his children, Rose Aasen-Rojas and her spouse Armondo of Mexico, and Bruce Aasen Jr. and his spouse Iva of Bulgaria; his stepchildren, Naomi Fields and spouse Efram of Washington State, Jennifer Tomlinson and spouse Evon of New York, Philina De Jesús of North Carolina, and Christopher Pavlicek and spouse Melissa of North Dakota.
Bruce also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Alexis De Jesús of Virginia, Christian De Jesús and spouse Jayden of Florida; Miriam De Jesús and Skye De Jesús of North Carolina, Rebecca Aasen and Eric Aasen of Connecticut, Tamieka McGill of New York, Taylor Tomlinson of New York, Evon Tomlinson Jr. of Florida, Mikayla Tomlinson and Sophia Tomlinson of New York, and Jude and Victoria Pavlicek. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Sierra M. Aasen of California and Amani McGill of New York.
Throughout his life, Bruce lived in many places, including Arnegard, Mott, Dickinson, and Bismarck, N.D.; Lead, S.D.; Battle Lake, Minn.; Great Lakes, Ill.; Norfolk, Va.; Newport, R.I.; Stratford, Bridgeport, Bethel, and Danbury, Conn.; Juno Beach and Key West, Fla.; and Mooresville, N.C.
Bruce lived a life rich with experience and hard work. From farm labor in North Dakota during his childhood to logging in the mountains of Montana, gold mining in South Dakota, firefighting in the Navy, boiler tending, plumbing, and eventually training as a tractor-trailer driver and professional locksmith, he never shied away from learning something new. Over the years, he worked for many companies, including Alcoa Aluminum, Norden’s, General Electric, Fairfield Hills Hospital, the City of Bridgeport, Stonybrook Gardens Cooperative, Remington Products, Fairfield University, and Red Roof Inn.
Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957, achieving the rank of Petty Officer E-4 (Boiler Technician). He continued his service in the Inactive Reserves from 1957 to 1961, and later in the Active Navy Reserves from 1965 to 1969, serving aboard the USS Coates (DE-685). During his active-duty service, he was stationed at Great Lakes, Ill., and later served aboard the USS Hyman, an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer. His naval travels took him along the East Coast of the United States and to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Scotland, England, the North Sea, the Panama Canal, and Chile.
The Navy opened Bruce’s eyes to a much larger world-he saw his first television and helicopter while enlisted, experienced city life for the first time in Chicago, and fulfilled his desire to escape the dust of North Dakota in favor of the open ocean.
Bruce was well known for his fearless spirit, daredevil nature, sharp sense of humor, and gift for storytelling. He was especially fond of motorcycles and owned several Honda Goldwings throughout his life, enjoying cross-country travel in his younger years and, after meeting his wife Laurie, many local rides and trips together. A natural jokester with a loving heart, he could make anyone feel like family. He enjoyed drinking beer, sharing his love of vanilla ice cream by occasionally making it with the kids, and watching programs on the Military and History Channels. Above all, he loved sharing stories of his adventures and “shenanigans” from years past. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Salisbury National Cemetery Annex, 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Purple Heart Homes, 755 Washington Ave., Statesville, North Carolina, 28677, in honor of Bruce’s life and military service. More information on Purple Heart Homes can be found on their website at www.PurpleHeartHomesUSA.org.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.