Karl Nicholas Aho

Karl N. Aho, 93, Two Harbors, died Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Waterview Shores.

Karl was born August 28, 1929 to Nicholas and Fanny (Koski) Aho in Duluth, where he grew up. He attended Central High School and the University of Minnesota Duluth. He went on to receive his Doctorate in Divinity at Suomi Seminary in Hancock, Michigan. 

He ministered to the congregations of Messiah Lutheran Church (Mt. Iron) and Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Cherry), in Northern Minnesota. He was especially active with church youth groups guiding them on trips in the BWCA and hosting them at the family cabin on Black Duck Lake.

He was a consultant who worked with native tribes throughout the region writing grants for projects to stimulate economic activities on Reservations. He spent time in Washington D.C. where he lobbied for a bill that gave Native American tribes the economic independence to pursue their financial opportunities.

Karl was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Masons at Fortitude Lodge 188.

Karl served in the US Army from June 1947 to October 1948 during the occupation of Japan.

He enjoyed building his cabin on Black Duck Lake where his was an avid hunter and angler. He was also a private airplane pilot. 

Upon retirement, with his wife, Alene, operated Bryan House Bed and Breakfast from their home in Two Harbors.

Karl was preceded in death by his wife, Alene; a granddaughter, Melessiah; and sisters, Gladys, Irene, and Dorothy.

He is survived by his first wife, Jane Aho and his children, Michael Aho, Andrew (Lisa) Aho, Sara (Gordon) Lukkonen, and JoAnne (Corey) Emig; a step-son, Richard Wainwright; nine grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and sister, Darlene Holte.

Services will be held at 1 PM on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Cavallin Funeral Home in Two Harbors.  A reception will follow at the Masonic Lodge # 188.