Joshua Andreas Aho, 71, a lifelong Wolf Lake area resident, passed away peacefully at home on December 17th, 2024 from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He was born in Detroit Lakes on October 22, 1953 to Elsie and Hugo Aho. Joshua attended elementary school in Wolf Lake. After graduating from Menahga High School in 1971, he continued to work on the family farm. In 1973, Joshua and five brothers became partners in the dairy business known as Aho Bros. & Co., which later became Aho Brothers Inc. Joshua maintained and repaired equipment, did field work, plowed snow, and other chores in milking and taking care of the cattle.
On October 19, 1974, Joshua married Deborah Fay Salmonson at the Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. This union was blessed with nine children. He was an active member of the Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church, and served as teacher of the Confirmation class, Sunday School Superintendent and Board Member for many years.
Joshua spent his winters in the woods logging out the largest trees. Though most of it was sold, some was made into boards and paneling. He was pleased when some of the oak paneling went into the narthex of his church! He made firewood and had a local machinist build a wood processor out of a combine for him. Although his favorite pastime was work, he enjoyed reading devotionals, the Bible, and books (fiction and nonfiction). He read to his children nearly every day when they were growing up. In his retirement, 2019, he continued to work in the woods and the shop. He plowed snow and helped out family and neighbors. He especially enjoyed getting together with the family and the time spent at the lake.
Joshua is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Jason (Amy), Jared (Jolene), Rodney (Hannah), Neil (Amanda), Ramona (Brock) Anderson, Nathaniel (Carrie), Marlin (Ashlyn) and Luke (Kaylee) all of the Wolf Lake area in Minnesota; Marla (Neal) Kandoll of Castle Rock, WA; 47 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; Siblings, Elvi Ketola, Alice (Marc) Ruotsala, Raymond (Janet), Reino (Peggy), Martha Aho, Esther (Paul) Impola, Harry (Lori), Harvey (Patricia); Brother-in-Laws, Larry Salo and Jesse Fraki; Sister-in-Laws, Hazel Aho and Nola Aho.
Joshua is preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Elsie; Brothers, Reuben and Elias; Sisters, Eva Salo and Gladys Fraki; Brother-in-Laws, Stephen Kurtti and Walter Ketola and Grandson, Tyler Aho.
Joshua will be dearly missed by his wife, children and spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (St. John:14:6)
Joshua’s services were held at the Spruce Grove Church near Wolf Lake. You can view them at sprucegrovealc.org; go to watch sermons and select a link. The visitation was on Dec. 19, 2024 (program starts at minute 27). The memorial service was on Dec. 20, 2024.
