Keith Aho Obituary Keith Alan Aho, of Cook, Minnesota, went to his eternal home with Jesus on February 21, 2025. He passed at his childhood home at the age of 85, with the love of his life, Carol, by his side. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, at 11 AM at the Cook Community Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

On January 31, 1940, Keith was born to Andrew & Lydia (Alto) Aho. He graduated high school from North Central School of Agriculture in Grand Rapids, MN, in May 1957. He went on to pursue his Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Minnesota/Duluth and Minneapolis, where he graduated in 1965. Keith completed his military contract and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He and Carol married in September 1965, and raised their four children in the Cities before returning to Cook in 1980.

Keith's devotion to the Lord, his love for his family, and his heart for the community were evident in his life. He was an active lifetime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, following the legacy of his parents and grandparents. He served as the church council president, cantor, and occasionally as Sunday preacher when needed. He was asked to be a National Director for Men's Ministries for the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations on Mission for Christ). His life reflected his mission to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37.

Servant leadership was the foundation of his hard work ethic. He wrote in a Bible, "by my sweat and His (Jesus') blood." He enjoyed his jobs at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, WCCO Radio, and Hertz Brokerage before moving to a position as the Vice President of Central Commodity Services. After 20 years of work in multiple arenas, he packed up his family and returned to the Aho family homestead to farm. He was elected as the Field Township Supervisor, and held the position for 39 years.

Soon after his return to northern MN, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to starting "Homestead Mills," which he grew from a feed manufacturing plant to a thriving business including flour/cereal division and general store which has served the local community and beyond for over 40 years. As a small business requires, he wore multiple hats when needed including architect, accountant, attorney, contractor, mechanic, and sales manager. Keith always had an open door at his office and welcomed customers to stop in to "talk ag" and he could be counted on to offer a listening ear to friends. His characteristic deep voice and words of wisdom were a comfort to many. No one was a stranger.

Although busy with his work, he took time to sing, paint, write poetry, hunt, fish, volunteer with the Lions' Club, and serve for 10 years as president of the Paul Bunyan Foundation. He particularly enjoyed his international travels with Carol to Mexico, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, China, Jordan, and Israel. They also opened their homes in the Cities and in Cook to numerous students and professionals from around the globe for 30 years, offering them a glimpse into American traditions…and Finnish sauna!, while sharing a deeply rooted interest in learning more about their guests' cultures.

Keith put his faith in Jesus Christ and his eternal home. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Keith's favorite verse was engraved in his wedding ring, Hosea 2:19: I will betroth you to me forever. He married his wife of 59 years, Carol (Louise Johnson) in Moorhead, Minnesota. They were blessed with four children: Kaarin (Guy) Scoma, Kraig (Jannet) Aho, Kristian (Jillian) Aho, and Kurtis (Rachael) Aho. He was "Vaari" (Grandpa) to 15 grandchildren: Felicia, Christopher, Katelyn, Tucker, Kira, Jessika, Kristian, Regan, Victoria, William, Jedidiah, Hannah, Olivia, Rebekah, and Saarina. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Alvin Andrews.

In memoriam, the family appreciates charitable donations to Guided Hope Ranch (Berthoud, Colorado), the Cook Lions' Club (Cook, Minnesota), or a charity of your choice. To our loving, patient, kind, and generous husband, father, and Vaari: "Nakemiin" (See you later.) Love you.