Alan Crowston Obituary

Wilfred Alan Crowston, known to most as Alan, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 77 in Cavalier, North Dakota. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of services at the church. 

Born on November 20, 1947, in Langdon, ND, he was the son of Wilfred and Dorothy (Dalsted) Crowston. Alan grew up on the family farm near Cavalier and attended Pleasance School in rural Cavalier before graduating from Cavalier High School in 1965. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1969 and a Master of Science in Botany in 1973 from North Dakota State University.

On May 11, 1968, Alan married the love of his life, Karen (Peterson) Crowston, in Fillmore, ND. They began their married life in Fargo before returning to Cavalier in 1973, where they would build a life rooted in family, hard work, and community. That same year, Alan founded AgTech Inc., a soil testing business he ran for 20 years. He also worked for 28 years with various contractors at the Cavalier Air Force Station. In 1989, he purchased additional land and took over the family farm, which he proudly operated for nearly three decades. Alan later worked as an Agricultural Specialist for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Pembina, retiring in 2012.

Alan had a deep love for farming, the outdoors, and the wide-open spaces of North Dakota. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and, above all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Known for his sharp wit, quick quips, and easy laughter, he brought humor and warmth wherever he went. A passionate traveler, Alan explored much of the U.S. and Canada by road, ventured through Europe, and even journeyed above the Arctic Circle during his time working at the PAR site. He was always chasing the next adventure, and one of his most memorable was “The Kotchman Expedition”, a legendary road trip to Alaska with dear friends Skip Kotchman and Doug Herzog.

In recent years, Alan could often be found supervising farm activities from his golf cart, happily letting the grandkids take the wheel. He took great pride in his newest role as great-grandpa—a title he wore with a big smile.

Alan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen; children: Julie (Jay) Peterson, Sara Crowston, and Steven (Lizzie) Crowston, all of Cavalier, ND; grandchildren: Jenna (Jeff) Stith, Justine Peterson, Charlotte, Freddie, Winnie, Ted, and Gus Crowston; and great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Hazel Stith. He is also survived by his brother Darrell (Irene) Crowston and sister Penny (Jerry) Scheflo, brother-in-law, Ken (Bev) Peterson, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Waiting to welcome him is his beloved grandson, Janzen, whom Alan held close in his heart every day, and numerous loved ones.

Alan will be remembered for his warm heart, clever wit, deep roots in the land he loved, and his unwavering devotion to family.