John O. Garaas

Judge Garaas was born in Wheelock, North Dakota, September 1, 1922. He attended St. Olaf College and University of North Dakota, graduating with B. A., L. L. B. and J. D. degrees. He was admitted to the Bar in 1949 and practiced at Watford City and Fargo, North Dakota. Served as State's Attorney of McKenzie and Cass Counties and United States Attorney for North Dakota. He served in the United States Army during WWII. In 1978, Governor Arthur A. Link appointed him Judge of the First Judicial District. With the reorganization of the district court system in 1979, he became Judge of the East Central Judicial District, he served in that capacity until 1988. Judge Garaas died on March 4, 1997.