Son of Anton Peter and Anna Marie Aasen.

Completed training at Alexandria AAF, Louisiana.

Assigned to 601BS, 398BG, 8AF USAAF.

Donald Raymond Aasen, "Don", May 23, 1925 - October 21, 2011, resident of Los Altos, died peacefully in Los Altos on October 21, 2011. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ernestine Willidean Johnson with whom he had two sons. He is also survived by his wife of 48 years, Olga Aasen; three daughters; thirteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his four brothers Ernest, Mahlon, Marvin, and Gordon. Don was born in Velva, North Dakota, on May 23, 1925. His early education was in a simple one-room schoolhouse and he later graduated from Minot High School before enlisting in the Air Force in 1943. He served during World War II as a tail gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, completing 35 missions over Germany. After flight schools in Texas and Nevada, he served in the Korean War as a pilot and flew the first generation of jet planes, the F-84 Thunderjet, carrying out 100 missions. He concluded his military career at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona as a jet fighter pilot instructor in the first supersonic jet, the F-100 Super Sabre. He retired from the USAF in 1965, achieving the rank of Major and receiving the Commendation Medal while serving as operations officer of his squadron.
A resident of Los Altos for 42 years, Don witnessed the growth of the Silicon Valley through his career in roofing materials sales. He enjoyed being a greeter and usher at St. William Parish in Los Altos until he suffered a stroke in 2005. Always generous and patient, he had sparkling blue eyes and a charming smile. He will forever be remembered as a devoted father and husband, and a treasured patriarch. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 28 at 10:30 AM at St. William Church, 611 S. El Monte Avenue, Los Altos, with reception to follow at the Parish Hall.

Gate Of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
Los Altos, Santa Clara County, California