Floyd Wayne Askim, 78, Minot, died Sunday, December 16, 2012 in a Minot Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Floyd was born December 9, 1934 in Park River, North Dakota, the son of Adolph and Ida (Nelson) Askim. He was raised and educated at Park River and graduated from Park River Agricultural School in 1952. At that time he was State President of the Future Farmers of America. He entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1955-1957.

Floyd was united in marriage to Marian Sand on August 4, 1957 at the Emerado Presbyterian Church. He continued his education at North Dakota State University in Fargo and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1959. They moved to Minot in 1959, where he was employed by the ND Farm Bureau. He organized the County Farm Bureau's of NW North Dakota. He later was employed with Verry Insurance Agency and Monarch Concrete in sales.

Floyd received a Master's degree in Counseling from NDSU in 1976. He was named the Bush Foundation Fellow Award in 1976 and received specialized training to study new treatment modalities in mental health problems at Rutgers University, the Johnson Institute of Minneapolis and Heartview Foundation in Mandan. He became an Addictions Counselor for North Central Human Services in Minot for a number of years and also did private counseling locally. He retired in 1989, after being named the director of the Alcohol Program and Counselor for EARN Project with the Three Affiliated Tribes in New Town. He operated Askim Rental Agency for several years.

Floyd was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, Minot, where he was active as an elder and went on a missions trip to Sitka, AK. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge Star in the West Lodge #33, Minot Shrine Club, Lankin, ND American Legion Post #157, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, FFA Association and lifetime member of the PTA Association. Dad was a sensitive soul and had a huge heart. He took great pride in his family and loved holidays and gatherings. It was common for him to reach in his pockets for photos of his grandchildren. He was a patriotic man and loved to fly the American flag. He was very proud of serving his country and loved past and present veterans. Dad was passionate about children, especially the less fortunate or disabled. Dear to his heart was the Shriners Children's Hospital and the Shrine Circus. He always looked out for the underdog and was willing to help anyone in need. He said beautiful prayers and always reminded us of how fortunate we are! His unique sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

His loving family includes, wife of fifty-five years, Marian; children, Karen Askim, Eden Prairie, MN, Sheryl (Jim) Cameron, Rugby, ND, Dean (Julie) Askim, Laurel, MT, Kay (Travis) Gregurek, Rugby, ND and Chad (Helen) Askim, Williston, ND; grandchildren, Tana (Greg) Hamilton, Jessica (Paul) Tuck, Dustin Askim, Madeline Cameron, McKenzie Cameron, Gentry Carlson, Aspen Cameron, Giles Askim & Ivan Askim; great-grandchildren, Jaeger & Nolan Hamilton; sisters-in-law, Irene Askim & Gwen Askim, niece Corrine Berg, nephews, Gary Askim & Arlyn Askim.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Harvey and Clifford Askim and a nephew, Dennis and niece, LaVern and his special uncle, Iver.

Celebration of Life service : Friday, December 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Veterans Plot of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: At the request of the family, there will not be any reviewal, however friends may sign the memorial register book on Thursday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials : preferred to the Shriner's Children's Hospital, Presbyterian Deacons Fund, Hoff Lutheran Church, Adams, ND, or restoration of the 515 Club.