Elias Samuel Aho

ELIAS SAMUEL AHONovember 18, 1942 – January 15, 2016 Elias Samuel Aho, age 73, a lifelong Menahga/Wolf Lake, MN area resident, entered eternal life in the early morning hours of Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Essentia Health Medical Center in Fargo, ND surrounded by his loved ones following a valiant battle against a very aggressive form of cancer. Elias was born on November 18, 1942 to Hugo Elias and Elsie (Kumma) Aho on his parent’s farm in Wolf Lake Township of Becker County, MN. He attended the District #721 Country School through the eighth grade and then went on to attend high school in Menahga where he graduated with the Class of 1960. Elias then entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country based at Ft. Ord, CA until his honorable discharge. On May 24, 1963, Elias was married to Hazel Lorraine Koskela at the Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church near Wolf Lake. They were blessed with five children: Catherine, Robert, Daniel, Anthony and Pamela. As a young man, Elias farmed with his dad and uncles. In the mid-1960’s, Elias began working in the pork industry managing the merchandising of feeder pigs for the Wisconsin Feeder Pig Co-op. His eye for identifying quality and discerning disease made him a very successful buyer for his company. He looked forward to taking his children with him in the truck on his buying trips. In the early 90’s Elias retired early due to health issues; however, he continued to keep busy doing maintenance for his brothers’ dairy farm. He was gifted at building or repairing almost anything. For many years the sight of Elias driving his old jeep, which he converted into a mobile repair shop, could be seen heading out to work at the farm. His great-nephews referred to the old jeep as “Eli’s Hummer”. Over the years, Elias built a number of saunas for family members. He was a tremendous cook who was well known for his perfect gravy, barbequed ribs and fried fish. He had a green thumb and enjoyed nurturing his garden into fruitful abundance to share with family and friends. He loved his grandchildren and was their biggest fan. This was evident as he spoke proudly of them often in conversation. Dad was happiest when his home was full with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed his little pals, Brayden and Hayley, who adopted him as their “Papa G”. Elias was a man who took his faith seriously. He was a long time member of the Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church. He loved the Lord and prayed faithfully that his loved ones would all enjoy eternity with him in Heaven. He will be lovingly remembered by his dearly loved wife for nearly 53 years, Hazel of Menahga, MN; two daughters: Catie (Karl) Sagedahl of East Bethel, MN and Pamela (Todd) Aho of Blaine, MN; his son, Dan (Lori) Aho of Harris, MN; 2 daughter-in-laws: Rhonda Aho of Laughlin, NV and Mary Aho of North Branch, MN; 12 grandchildren: Tarah (Derek), Lindsay, Trent, Amber (Kyle) Sammy, Brie, Megan (Henry), Jenna, Thomas, Kelsey, Ryan and Erica; six sisters: Eva (Larry) Salo, Elvi (Walter) Ketola, Alice (Marc) Ruotsala, Gladys (Jesse) Fraki, Martha Aho and Esther (Paul) Impola, five brothers: Raymond (Janet) Aho, Reino (Peggy) Aho, Joshua (Deborah) Aho, Harry (Lori) Aho and Harvey (Patricia) Aho; one sister-in-law, Nola Aho; four brothers-in-law: LeRoy (Joan) Koskela, Clifford (Irene) Koskela, Eugene (Gerri) Koskela and Gerald (Debbie) Koskela; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Elias was preceded in death by his parents; numerous aunts and uncles, a brother, Reuben; two sons: Robert in 2012 and Tony in 2014 as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church near Wolf Lake with Reverend Dennis Hannu officiating. Visitation will be held 5 to 8 PM Friday, January 22, 2016 at Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake. To leave online condolences, or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com