Clair Askelson, age 79, of Hawley, MN, formerly Felton, MN, died on Monday, July 27, 2020, at his home in Hawley.

Clair was born in 1940 to Henry and Olga (Opgrand) Askelson in Felton. He graduated from Felton High School in 1959. Clair married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Sharon Gill, on June 13, 1959, and together they had four children. Clair and Sharon farmed near Felton. He worked at Crystal Sugar in the wintertime, enjoyed many years owning the Felton Café, and hauled gravel for Dunham Gravel.

Clair enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards and bingo, going to the casino, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. He could finish the John Wayne Show next line before it came across the TV.

Clair is survived by his four children: Scott (Jana) Askelson of Moorhead, MN, Todd Askelson also of Moorhead, Lori (Rick) Pladson of Hatton, ND, and Betti (Daren) Tangen of Hawley; his grandchildren: Trent Askelson of Devils Lake, ND, Brenna (Josh) Lindenmann of Roseau, MN, Andrew (Vanessa) Braaten of Christine, ND, Jenna Askelson of Thief River Falls, MN, Cierra Askelson of Fargo, ND, Jordan (Tyler) Crouse of West Fargo, ND, Marissa Askelson of Fargo, Daniel "DJ" and Wyatt Peebles both of Hawley, Lacey Nayes also of Fargo and Courtney Rude of Plummer, MN; great grandchildren: Dominic, Brady, Braedon, Aspen, Addison, Isabella, Cole, Elena, Alexa, Kyser, Greta, Emelia, and Berkleigh and several nieces and nephews.

Clair is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; parents, Henry and Olga; his brothers, Don Askelson, and Harlan (Helen) Askelson; and his great aunt and uncles.

The Family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley and his great doctors, Dr. Harmon and P.A. Penny Weston.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020 at the Tangen Farm -2994 220th Street South, Hawley, MN, 56549. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a chair. Following all safety protocols due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.