Justin Nicolai Astrup was born August 1, 1917, in Dagmar, MT, to Peter Moller and Emma Marie (Halvorson) Astrup Sr. The family moved to Grenora, ND, and Medicine Lake, MT, before settling in Williston, ND, where Justin graduated from high school. The family then moved to rural Dilworth, MN, and Justin attended one year of college at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.
Justin enlisted in the Army Air Force during WWII. While on furlough, he married Viola Beatrice Hite on February 14, 1943, at Concordia Lutheran Church, rural Glyndon, MN. The couple lived in Texas, Michigan, Florida, and Virginia. Upon Justin's discharge from the military, they returned to rural Dilworth and Justin helped on the family farm. Justin and Beatrice then moved to rural Gardner, ND, where they farmed for 50 years, raising grain, soybeans, and sugar beets.
It was on his beloved farm where Justin died on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at the age of 88. Family was at his side along with Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Justin enjoyed caring for the farm which included mowing the grass, tending the garden, and reading. His family was also extremely important to him.
Justin and Beatrice were members of Nora Lutheran Church, Gardner, and Landstad Lutheran Church, Perley, MN, before becoming members at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, Moorhead. Justin loved his Lord very much, participating in Bible study and the Prime Timers at Triumph. At Landstad Lutheran Church he was a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, head usher and he also sang in the choir.
Justin is lovingly survived by his wife, Beatrice, rural Gardner; a daughter, Sharon Astrup-Scott, and her husband, Robert Ackland, Albert Lea, MN; a son, Paul, and his wife, Janet, Moorhead; three grandchildren, Philip Scott, and his fiancé, Jenni Harold
The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their loving care of Justin.
Visitation: Tuesday from 5 - 7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM, Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at 10:30 AM,
Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, Moorhead.
Interment: Landstad Lutheran Cemetery, Perley.