Donald Smaaladen

Donald Smaaladen, age 86, of Aneta, ND, went home to be with Jesus at Northwood Deaconess Health Center on September 7, 2021. A private funeral will be held Thursday, September 9, 2021 at New Life Fellowship, rural Tolna, ND.

Donald Richard Smaaladen was born March 1, 1935, in Ora Township of rural Aneta to Richard and Alvina Smaaladen. He worked alongside his dad, Richard, and siblings on the family farm. He graduated from Aneta High School in 1953.

On May 27, 1956, he married Eleanor Frandsen in Michigan, ND. They made their home in Ora Township for 41 years where they farmed and operated a large dairy farm. They raised four children on the farm: Terry, Terinne, Steven and Clay. In 2004, they moved into Aneta where Eleanor worked at Aneta Parkview Health Center, and Don worked for longtime neighbor, Art Matson.
Don’s passion was sharing the love of Jesus with people. He loved engaging people, hearing their stories and praying with them. He started Father Land Ministries as a means of helping others in a time of need. His church family at New Life Fellowship gave him a tremendous sense of joy and encouragement. He leaves a legacy of faith and love and a vision for serving others.
He is survived by his children: Terry (Wes) Erickson of Hunter, ND; Terinne (Al) Berg of Fargo, ND; Steven (Marsha) Smaaladen of Aneta, ND; and Clay (Jeanna) Smaaladen of Grand Forks, ND; Grandchildren: Seth (Micki ), Marshall (Brandy), Hope, and Wyatt (fiancé Anna) Erickson; Kyle (Meredee) and Paul (Leah) Berg; Jessica (Kris) Larson, Christopher (Katrina), and Justin Smaaladen, Zachary (Rachel) and Zane Smaaladen; Great Grandchildren: Sutton, Grayson, and Lannyn Larson; Anastasia Smaaladen; Vivian and Cruz Berg; Ella and Julia Berg; Bella, Mace and Brystol Erickson; sisters-in-law JoAnne Smaaladen and Opal Smaaladen; and nieces and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alvina Smaaladen; his siblings Rosemary Ostenson, Gordon Smaaladen, and Allen Smaaladen; his nephew Kent Smaaladen; grandson Harvest Erickson and great granddaughter Ellyson Larson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Father Land Ministry, attn: Monica Beauchane, P.O. Box 274, Northwood, ND 58267