Royce S. Aslakson

Please click on the link below to watch the live stream of Royce's Funeral Service which will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11 AM.

https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-for-royce-aslakson-zzesfpcyfymea4llwidw

Royce S. Aslakson, 80, Horace, ND, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at his home in Horace.

Royce Sterling Aslakson was born January 25, 1946, in Minot, ND, to Richard and Geraldine (Amundson) Aslakson. He shared fond memories growing up on the family farm south of Ray, ND. He was baptized on the family farm. During his younger years he was a member of Ray Lutheran Church, where he made his commitment to our Lord and was confirmed by a very special family friend and minister, Rev. Lowell Anderson. During his high school years, he was active with band, basketball, football, baseball, and Luther league. Royce graduated from Ray High School in 1964 as salutatorian. He continued his education at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, attaining degrees in accounting and political science.

On June 17, 1973, Royce was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Cunningham at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Garrison, ND. The newlyweds lived in Fargo, ND, for a year, before returning to the home farm near Ray, ND. He found great fulfillment in farming for 13 years. They welcomed their first son, Mark, in 1975, and twins Paul and Julie in 1978. In 1987, they moved to Parshall, ND. Royce worked for Reservation Telephone Cooperative (now RTC Networks) as the office manager and was promoted to general manager in 2001, and CEO in 2004. They stayed active with First Lutheran Church where Royce taught Sunday school and served on the church board.

In 2015, Royce and Joyce retired and moved to Horace, ND. They are active members of Hope Lutheran Church, where faith, fellowship and Bible study remain solid pillars in their life. Royce enjoyed sharing ministry with his family and instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of a life centered in Christ. In the last few years, they had very fond memories of summertime spent at Lake 7 with their family, whether it was having s’mores around the campfire, pulling grandkids tubing behind the boat, or taking them fishing on the pontoon.

Royce lived life simply and enjoyed it fully. He was always up for anything. Some of his favorite things were family, faith, and a good bowl of ice cream. He loved to joke around or tease you, all in good fun, with his signature smile and laugh afterward. He loved Jesus, loved and believed in his family and friends with all his heart; always putting others first. He was there for anybody that needed a helping hand and had the uncanny ability to fix things. He especially had so much pride in his grandkids: making trips to whatever activity they were involved in, playing “taxicab” to help get them where they needed to be, calling them to wish them best luck on a school test, sporting event, or just to say “Hi, and I love you”.

Royce was a devoted husband of 52 years, a wonderful father, and a remarkable grandfather. “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Matthew 25: 21-23.

Royce will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Joyce of Horace, ND; his children, Mark (Amanda) Aslakson of Fargo, ND, Paul (Charisse) Aslakson of West Fargo, ND, and Julie (Robin) Rood of Minot, ND; his beloved grandchildren, Elsa, Eli, Emmy, Brandt, Alyse, Charlie, Grace and Ariana; sister, Kathryn (Rev. Erik) Johnson of Bismarck, ND; brother, Irving (Beverly) Aslakson of Lakeville, MN, niece, Gracia Johnson; nephew, Karsten (Jamey) Johnson and his late nephew’s wife, Melissa Johnson and children, Audrey, Camille and Cecily, brother-in-law Mark Cunningham, nephew Eric (Jessica) Cunningham and their daughter Sunni, sister-in-law Beth (Paul) Lindstrom, nephews Matthew (Rebecca) Hutchinson and Joseph (Wendie) Hutchinson, along with several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Roger (Joy) Cunningham and dear nephew, Rev. Justin Johnson.

May God bless his memory among us.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11am in Hope Lutheran Church – South Campus, Fargo, ND. Visitation will begin at 10am. Please join the Aslakson family for lunch and fellowship following the service.

Memorial contributions can be directed to Hope Lutheran Church – West Campus Building Fund: 2900 Broadway N Fargo, ND 58102. Royce was so excited for the new Hope West Campus to be built!