Eugene 'Snooks' Aageson, 88

Eugene "Snooks" Aageson, 88, a longtime resident of Havre and Hill County, died Thursday, April 6, 2006, at the Benefis Care Center in Great Falls. Snooks had suffered from Alzheimer's disease the past several years, and his death occurred one week to the day of the death of his wife, Laura Aageson.

His burial will take place at 10 a.m. Maundy Thursday, April 13, in Highland Cemetery. His memorial service will be afterward at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Havre.

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church in Havre or to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.

Snooks is survived by three children, Dr. James and Julie Aageson of Moorhead, Minn., Rachel Aageson of Kalispell, and Mark and Carrie Aageson of Havre; seven grandchildren: Erin and Scott Allee of Juneau, Alaska, Anne Aageson of Bellingham, Wash., Megan Aageson of Moorhead, Amy Hanson of Park City, Utah, Michael Hanson of Kalispell, and Gunnar and Ivar Aageson of Havre.

His siblings all preceded him in death, Wallace Aageson, Arvin Aageson, Lorraine Aageson Gorham and Nan Aageson Nokleberg.

Snooks was born in Hingham, the son of Ella and Asmund Aageson. He helped operate the family's farm until 1942, when he married Laura Miller and they purchased their own farm at Fairchild.

Snooks was a member of Goldstone Lutheran Church and helped build and remodel that church. When Snooks' and Laura's children were of school age, the family moved to Havre, where they were active members of First Lutheran Church. Snooks served on many church boards and always enjoyed working at First Lutheran's annual lutefisk dinner.

In later years, Snooks and Laura built a home in West Glacier. Snooks was an avid golfer and loved to travel during the winters visiting most of the United States and Hawaii. He and Laura traveled twice to Europe and especially enjoyed visiting family in England and Norway.

Snooks was devoted to his family and proud of his Montana roots. His wide circle of friends included golfing partners, fellow farmers and members of his church and community.

The disease that robbed him of his last years of life meant a very long goodbye for his family. Even so, we remember his laughter and smiling eyes, his funny sense of humor, and his warm and welcoming embrace. Blessed be his memory.