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It is with great sadness that the family of Thelma Jeannette Aasland announces her passing on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
Thelma was born on Feb. 3, 1932, in Littlefork, Minnesota, to David and Florence Wilkinson. She was the older sister of Rodney, Loren “Buzzy” and Myrna Grace. Thelma met Glenn Aasland in high school, and they were married for 70 years. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends in 2018, shortly before Glenn’s passing.
Thelma and Glenn moved from Minnesota to Oregon, then to Alpena, before heading north to Fairbanks in 1974 with their four youngest children. Fairbanks became home, and Thelma built a life there filled with family, friends, church and many adventures.
Thelma was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed singing in the church choir. She became an honorary mom and grandma to many in the church family and cherished the friendships and connections she made there. Her faith and her church family remained an important part of her life.
Thelma was always up for an adventure. There were card parties with the Minnesota “family” gatherings, late-night walks, time spent at the cabin at Chena Hot Springs, and trips in the motor home to visit family. She enjoyed taking photographs, sewing, knitting and crocheting, and spent time oil painting. With family spread across the Lower 48, there was always a reason to make a trip to visit them during the long Alaska winters. Above all, Thelma loved her family and the time they shared together.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of at Denali Center and the Tamarack wing for the love and compassion they shared with Thelma during her time there. They loved her like she was their own family, and her family will be forever grateful for the care they gave her.
Thelma will be lovingly remembered by her children, Carol (Arnie) Hrncir, Glenda Aasland, Bonnie Aasland, Sally Skrip, Susan (Terry) Nance, Glen (Dana) Aasland and Kristine (Brent) Floyd. She was blessed to be a grandma to Dustin (Dorothy) Hmcir, Patrick Hall, Alicia (Bart) Hall, Maddison Workman, Joshua Skrip, Stephanie (Lance) Allen, Ryan (Bianca) Cavazos, Kendra Cavazos, Seth Aasland, Sydney Aasland, Karly Floyd and Daniel Floyd, as well as five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Rodney Wilkinson, brother-in-law Bily Aasland, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends that have become like family.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Aasland; her parents, David and Florence Wilkinson; her grandson Kim Aasland, her brother Buzzy Wilkinson; her sister Myrna Grace Wilkinson, brother and sister-in-law Maurice and Janice Aasland; sister-in-law Georgene Schaumburg, and sister-in-law Vickie Aasland.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1798 Iniakuk Ave., Fairbanks, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those who wish to remember Thelma pay make a memorial gift to their favorite charity in her memory.