Minneapolis - Ernest Asp, 101, died November 19, 1998.
Funeral services were held with Pastors Keith Olstad and Kwanza Yu officiating. William Beckstrand was the organist. Casketbearers were Wayne Asp, Roger Buranen, Dennis Johnson Sonifer, Kenneth Severson, Richard N. Utterberg and Ernest Watson. Honorary casketbearers were George Asp, Lloyd Asp, Edwin Johnson and Richard M. Utterberg.
Hugo Ernst Asp was born on April 4, 1897 in Skalby, Sweden, the son of Johan and Gustafva Asp. His name was later changed to Ernest Hugo. In 1912 he immigrated with his parents and brother Nels to Newfolden to join his sister Anna and her husband. His brother, Oscar, arrived later. All three brothers worked on the farm, Soo Line Railroad and as painting and paperhanging contractors.
On October 22, 1919 Ernest and his brother Nels married sisters Dagny and Ella in a double wedding ceremony. A short time later Oscar married a neighbor woman and all three of the brothers and their wives moved to Minneapolis.
After 32 years at the University of Minnesota, Ernest retired as senior custodial supervisor.
He was an active member of University Lutheran Church of Hope for 63 years where he served in many capacities including usher, bell ringer and carpenter.
He lived in his home in Minneapolis until 1995 when he fell and broke his hip. He was then invited into the home of Elenore and Pam Severson where he resided until he died.
Ernest is survived by one son, Dr. Raymond (Elaine) Asp; five daughters, Florence Watson, Lorraine (Richard) Utterberg, Elenore Severson, Gladys (Edwin) Johnson and Luella (Roger) Buranen; 22 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dagny; his parents, two brothers, five sisters, one great-grandson; a grandson's wife; and one son-in-law.