By Lindsie DeFrang
New Century Press
Ardelle Brekke of Finley met Don Askegaard of Grand Forks in 1944.
She was 18. He was 16.
At the time, Don was working with the highway department, surveying roads.
“It was my second night in town and it was love at first sight when I met her. And she was looking for a younger man, while I was looking for a more experienced woman,” laughed Don, as he glanced at Ardelle and smiled.
He asked Ardelle out on a date and she accepted. The following day, he asked her out again. This continued for 60 days in a row.
“We went to every movie that was in town, many times,” said Ardelle.
Don soon joined the United States Navy. Two years later, in 1946, he returned to Finley to see whether Ardelle was still there waiting for him, and she was.
On Nov. 5, 1946 on a snowy day in Warren, Minn., the couple was married.
“It was a year after World War II ended, so we didn’t do the fancy Honeymoons like people do now. We went to Winnipeg and when we got
Back, we started building our house in Finley,” Don said.
Don worked as a fresh milk man for many years. In 1965 he took over Finley Creamery and Produce, which he owned and operated until 2000.
Ardelle worked for 38 years in the Steele County Courthouse. She held many different positions, mainly secretarial. But her favorite job was working with the County Agents, Homemakers and 4H. She also taught Sunday school for many years at Finley Lutheran Church.
Together, they raised three children, their two sons David and Daniel reside in Minneapolis, and their daughter Mary Jo is in West Fargo.
Both Ardelle and Don say they have never fought. Neither could recall an argument.
Throughout their home are paintings Ardelle painted. She also made her own dresses and clothes.
“When I was younger my mother sent me to the store with 50 cents and
let me pick out the material, that was a big thing back then,” she recalled.
On May 11, 2011 Ardelle was diagnosed with dementia. Don said as long
as he is able, to he plans on taking care of her. Hospice does come into their home about three times a week to help.
“I want to live until I’m 100! I feel good, but sometimes my hands and legs hurt, I worry I may not make it to 100. But I’m going to try,” she said.
When asked what their secret was to a long-lasting loving marriage Don referred to the Feb. 3rd Val Farmer column in The Forum titled “Love means loved one’s well-being first in mind.” “That about sums it
up,” he said.
This past November, the couple celebrated their 65 wedding anniversary.
“It doesn’t feel like 65 years, more like 10. I don’t know where the years went. He has been so good to me, I won’t sell him. He’s still the love of my life,” she said as she looked at Don.