Fargo, ND - How to describe Rolf Slen?

He went to war without being hardened by it. He became an attorney but never became cynical. He was a divorced father of three so deeply involved in each of his children's lives that their individual memories are steeped with their father's presence – from quiet walks in the woods to frolicking cross-country adventures filled with conversations and questions, laughter and love.

And, at age 59, he found the love of his life, a partner with whom he would spend the next 42 years, sometimes spanning the globe, often nesting at home.

On May 30, 2026, Rolf died peacefully at 102 at Bethany Retirement Living on 42nd in Fargo, leaving those who knew him deeply saddened by his passing but also feeling enriched by his attention.

So, how to describe Rolf Slen? Fully present. And fully alive.

Rolf Osborne Slen was born May 28, 1924, in Madison, Minn., to Theodor and Lyla (Isaacson) Slen, the second of five children. He graduated from Madison High School in the Spring of 1942 and enrolled at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., that Fall.

It would be his last semester at St. Olaf for a while thanks to World War II. In February 1943, Rolf left college and entered the US Army Air Force. Years later, he said he did it because he feared the war would end before he had a chance to do his part.

Rolf did that. And then some. A navigator on a B-24 bomber called the Lonesome Lady for all but his crew's last few of 40 missions in the Pacific Theater, Rolf was awarded 8 campaign ribbons, 5 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Yet, despite surviving harrowing missions and witnessing friends' planes shot down, Rolf never hardened. Author of five memoirs about his time at war, he often spoke with wonder at the kindness of Japanese people he met after the war. And he was unafraid to admit he cried at the news of Japan's surrender.

Rolf returned to Minnesota in late 1945 and reenrolled at St. Olaf, graduating in 1948. He attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1952, and spent seven years on the staff of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office before embarking on a long career in private practice in Albert Lea, Minn., until he retired in 1992.

In 1959, Rolf married Judith "Judy" Gilthvedt and they had three children – Kaaren, Vik and Heidi – to whom he was devoted the rest of his life. In 1983, he married Elizabeth "Liz" Skjolden. During the next four decades they were inseparable at their longtime townhome in Fargo, ND, bracketed by idyllic summers at her family cabin on Red Willow Lake in Binford and winters in Destin, Fla. Liz died in December 2025, just months after they'd moved to Bethany on 42nd.

Rolf described himself as a lifelong Democrat who was unafraid to engage members of the other party in debate – or write frequent letters to the editor – even in the Republican stronghold of North Dakota.

During his years in Albert Lea, he scratched an itch for the lights and the stage as a frequent cast member of productions by the Albert Lea Community Theater. Roles in Of Mice and Men, A Man for All Seasons and I Never Sang for My Father stand out.

After retiring to Fargo, Rolf heeded another call. He competed in 19 5K road races after turning 90 and liked to joke that he dominated his age group. He was often the only entrant over the age of 80. His last race was at 95.

A lover of poetry, history and biographies, Rolf's time watching television was geared to Minnesota Twins games or to politics on MSNow.

Rolf is survived by his children: Kaaren Slen (Donald Olson) of Fresno, Cal., Vik Slen (Aaron Guerrero) of Jacksonville, Fla. And Heidi Slen (James) Walsh of Roseville. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Beret Walsh (Andrew Barone) and Seamus Walsh (Alli) and a great granddaughter, Lyla.

He is survived by Liz's four children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo.