Wallace Aakhus

Wallace Aakhus, age 83, of Winger, MN, died Thursday, August 07, 2008 at his home. Wallace Delman Aakhus, the son of Olaf and Theoline (Smeby) Aakhus was born November 12, 1924 in Sletten Township. He grew up on the family farm and attended Lone Tree country school. Wally always was amused by the fact that his elementary school was later moved onto his father’s farm where it became the chicken-coop. After the 8th grade, he entered McIntosh High School, graduating with the class of 1942. As a young man, Wally worked in Michigan for a time before he began to farm. He proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII, performing many of his duties in Hawaii. Upon returning home to the Winger area, Wally operated a farm with his brother, Vernon. On July 3, 1948 he was united in marriage to Kathryn Konoske in Fosston, MN. The couple purchased their own farm and continued farming independently until 1956. At that time, Wally became employed with the Winger Co-op performing auto mechanics and lawnmower repair. He continued to farm in the evenings for a short time but then rented out his land. In the late 1980’s, Wally and Kathryn moved into their home in Winger. Wally retired from the Co-op in 1985 but maintained his business of fixing lawnmowers for the community. Currently, he was working part-time “running parts” for Winger Implement as well as continuing to repair lawn equipment. Many people depended on the various acts of kindness Wally performed for friends and neighbors. He was always willing to lend a hand with a project, drive people to appointments, and simply stop in to visit. He loved his morning tradition of going for coffee and shaking dice at area cafes. He also cherished his Sunday dinners at Morans with his son-in-law, John. Wally enjoyed history, touring museums, and spending time with his family. Wally is survived by two sons, Robert (Chris) of San Antonio, TX, and Mike (Jane) of McIntosh, MN; one daughter, Carolyn (John) Bachand of McIntosh; one brother, Orval (Colleen) of Green Valley, AZ; two grandchildren, Michelle and Laura; and four great-grandchildren: Victoria, Brianna, Rebecca, and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathryn; two brothers, Donovan and Vernon; and an infant sister, Dolores Lavonne. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 12th at 11 am at Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger, with Pastor Nathan Baker-Trinity officiating and Carol Stordahl as organist. Serving as pallbearers will be Norman Versdahl, Carsten Zahl, Lynn Aasen, Orvin Grundyson, Steven Massman, Terry Brevik, Arnold Balstad, and Byron Kaupang. The American Legion Sengestad-Solie Post # 200 will provide military honors. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, Winger. Arrangement are entrusted to the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen & Winger, MN. www.andersonmattson.com

Wallace Aakhus

November 12, 1924 - August 7, 2008