M.L. (Mel) Aslakson

M.L. (Mel) Aslakson, age 79 of Stacy, MN departed unexpectedly January 23, 2018. He was born November 26, 1938 at home in Minneola Township, MN to Joseph and Josephine (nee Timmerberg) Aslakson. A 1956 graduate of Red Wing High School, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from U of MN and obtained his CPA license. Providing accounting and tax preparation services for 50+ years, he worked in Big Accounting firms, private corporations and self-employment before retiring. One of Mel’s greatest passions was civic responsibility. He served multiple terms on the Stacy City Council and Mayor wherein he founded Stacy Daze in 1970, a community festival still enjoyed by all generations today. He accepted the distinction of “Outstanding Young Man” from Minnesota Jaycees and considered one of the youngest citizens to ever hold civic office in MN. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from Lions Club International. Many will remember Mel’s kindness, sense of humor, fondness of playing cards, adventurous travels and a “continuous” backyard-campfire to roast s’mores. Above all else, Mel’s greatest joy was his family and friends, particularly his grandchildren in recent years. He never declined an opportunity to attend or chauffeur them to their activities. A longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mel lived out his faith by serving on Church Council, singing soulfully in the choir and being the “Coffee Emeritus” of fellowship hour. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stacy, MN. Mel is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanne (nee Coppini) of 53 years; daughters, Teri Kaslow, Cindy (Jim) Johnson; grandchildren, Katya and Tatiana Kaslow, Grace and Bella Johnson; step-grandchildren, Yerik Kaslow, Natasha (Nic) Satre, Jerome and Josh Johnson; three step-great-grandchildren; brother, Elroy (Mary) Aslakson; sisters, Jeanette (Bing) Hines, Lila (Bill) Rice; sister-in-law, Joan Aslakson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by parents; sisters, Arlene (Art) Rauchwarter, Lorraine (Art) Escritt; brother, Vernice; son-in-law, Gregory Kaslow.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 31075 Genesis Avenue, Stacy, Minnesota.  Visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Sunday at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment at Stacy Cemetery, Stacy, Minnesota.