Albert L. Oen, 88, Surrey, died Sunday, July 9, 2017 in a Minot hospital.

Albert was born February 18, 1929, in Minot, ND the son of Gilbert (Martin) and Clara (Gaardsmoe) Oen. He grew up on the Oen family farm located SW of Minot and was educated at Minot High School and Minot State University.

Albert was united in marriage to Doris Alger in 1950. This union was blessed with two sons, Michael and Kevin. They made their home in Denver, CO in the early 1950's until returning to the family farm. In addition to his role on the farm, Albert was a truck driver for Behms during the winter months in the 1970's. Albert and Doris later divorced.

He retired from farming in 1979 but continued in the truck driving industry for the next thirteen years, retiring in 1992 from Cenex.

He met his sweetie, Judy Brooks and moved to Surrey in 1994. Although retired, Albert tinkered for countless hours in his shop. He was a skilled craftsman with an inventive mind, who could build or repair anything he set his mind to. He would often disassemble something just to see how it worked. His mechanic skills were second to none and the job wasn't considered done until he was satisfied with his work. He built a wood lathe and made many wood items for all to enjoy. Some of them even found their way back to the lathe so they could be perfected to his standards.

Albert was a 56 year member of the Eagles Aerie in Minot, serving as an officer for many years. He enjoyed the relationships and good memories made during his time with the group. He was a 50 year member of the Minot Moose Lodge. Albert was an active member of the Studebaker Car Club, the Magic City Antique Car Club and was a lifetime member of the Dakota Cruisers Car Club, all of Minot. He loved to showcase his 1957 two tone blue Studebaker President, often claiming it was the best looking one out there and it sure turned heads. Albert also restored a 1948 CJ 2 Willys Jeep in addition to countless others he worked on over the years. Albert always had a smile on his face when people admired his cars. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life. God must have needed a special person to do some fixing and tinkering for Him in Heavena special thought shared by Colleen \'Coke\' Kraft, a good friend and neighbor.

Albert is survived by his partner, Judy Brooks, Surrey, ND; son, Michael (Echo) Oen; grandsons, Shawn (Joan) Oen and Kyle (Christina) Oen; great-grandchildren, Savanha (Matt) Seiler, Connor, Emma, and Erik Oen, all of Minnesota; brothers, Martin Oen of Texas; Art (Arlene) Oen of Arizona and Myron Oen of Alaska; Judy's children, Larry Brooks and Sherry (Marvin) Sanderson, both of Minot and Shirley Bohlander of Washington and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, son, Kevin Oen, sister-in-law, Myrna Oen and his sidekick, Duey, his dog.

Graveside Service: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot with a fellowship to follow at the Knights of Columbus in Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday, July 12, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the second story or to an organization of the donor's choice.