Larry R. Vaagene

Larry Robert Vaagene , 65, Hatton, ND passed away on Friday, May 6, 2011, at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. He left the loving arms of his family to be held in the loving arms of God.
Larry, son of Paul and Kathleen (Hanson) Vaagene was born September 28, 1945 in Northwood, ND hospital. Larry grew up on the family farm south of Hatton, attended country school for a year and then Hatton Public School until he graduated in 1964. Larry was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church of Hatton. He joined the National Guard in 1965 and remained in the Guard until 1976.
Larry, for most of his adult life was a Trucker. He took pride in his profession, in his truck equipment and enjoyed the "over the road" life style. He hauled gravel, produce, potatoes, and grain commodities. He was proud to do his job the best he could with the ultimate goal of getting back home to his family. Larry left trucking to work for ConAgra from 1985 to 2003, the later years managing that bean plant in Hatton, then right back to trucking. All grain commodities this time, hauling locally so he could be home every night.
On July 8, 1967, he married Joy Grindeland at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. He is survived by his wife, Joy; children: Robert (Stephanie) Vaagene, Northwood, ND; Kathleen (Blair) Grandalen, Portland, ND, and Jill (Blake) Wamstad,Hatton; grandchildren: Christopher, Paige, and Kody Grandalen,; Morgan and Parker Vaagene; and Rylan and Brekyn Wamstad.
Larry and Joy also have a daughter "born in their heart" Narelle Van De Klashorst, of Casuarina, West Australia, who survives with her husband Denis and daughter, Sarah.
Larry said out loud that his family was his earthly treasures, and felt he was very rich!
Larry is also survived by his sister, Rita (Bob) Bristlin; Detroit Lakes, MN; brothers, John (Alice Verke) Vaagene, Hatton, Paul (Norine) Vaagene, West Fargo, ND, Gary (Debbie) Vaagene, Hatton; brother-in-law, Alvin Amundson, Jr., Portland, ND; many nieces and nephews; the Grindeland families and so many loving and caring friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Gene; sister, Janice Amundson; nephews, Terry and Richard Amundson; and his lifelong best friend, Arleigh "Bud" Verke.
Larry was a man of faith in our Lord, who read extensively and loved conversation about our faith with family and his Pastors. Throughout his illnesses he never felt sorry for himself and never wanted to do anything but live each day as best he could. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. What a blessing he was to all of us.
Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church, Hatton, ND.
Clergy: Rev. Dan Christ.
Honorary Pallbearers: All of Larry's Family and Friends.
Music: Darlene Owen, Organist.