Selmer Olaf Aalgaard 1925-2010

Selmer Olaf Aalgaard was born on June 19, 1925, to Peter and Anna Aalgaard in Hannaford, ND. He passed away peacefully at his home in Citrus Heights, California on April 5, 2010, with his family by his side.

He was raised in North Dakota during the Great Depression and at age 16 joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked in Montana. At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the destroyer USS DeHaven (DD-469). He survived the sinking of the destroyer on February 1, 1943. His second ship, the USS Hazelwood (DD-531) was hit by Japanese kamikaze planes. He later wrote a novel about these experiences. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to North Dakota where he met his wife Vera. They were married in 1945.

Selmer attended the State School  of Science at Whapeton, ND. and then the University of North Dakota at Grandforks, ND. He obtained a B.E. degree in Education. He taught and coached basketball, baseball and football in North Dakota and Montana.

He moved to California in 1956 and taught a number of years at San Juan High School in Citrus Heights and later became an administrator at Casa Roble High School. He loved coaching and became a tireless advocate for disadvantaged students. He retired in 1980. Selmer was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, snow-skiing and camping with his family.

Selmer was preceded in death by his sisters, Rose, Margaret, and Rachel, and by his brother Leif, Algot, Leonard, and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vera, and daughter Vanda and son-in-law Alan Claunch of Merced, California, and by his sister Stella of Eugene, Oregon, and brother Albert of Eureka, California, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the V.A. Hospital and the Sutter Hospice team for their guidance and support during Selmer's final days. In lieu of flowers or donations, please contribute to VFW, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association.