Alfred Mahowald

Alfred Francis Mahowald, 83, of Crosslake, died of Parkinson's disease on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin, MN. Alfred was born March 6, 1932, in Northfield, the son of John and Louise (Graff) Mahowald.

He attended St. Dominic's and graduated in 1950 from Northfield High School. He planned to study electrical engineering but when his brothers were called to serve in the Korean War he stayed to help on the family farm. Al was not able to serve in the Armed Forces because of a boyhood eye injury.

Al met Joan Fischer on a blind date while she was attending the University of Minnesota. They married on December 28, 1957 at St. Helena Church in Minneapolis where they attend and Al later served as a trustee. When Vatican II came Al served as the parish's first lector. He and Joan served as co-fundraisers for the parish. He started the first parish festival and was also a Knight of Columbus.

Al worked for many years as City Desk Salesman at Keeler Steel of St. Paul. Later in his career he and his colleagues started Metric Metals.

Upon the tragic death of their daughter, Michelle (Misha), he and Joan retired to Crosslake where they lived near Joan's twin sister and husband.

Up North, Al enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and working outdoors. He was a kind, considerate man on whom you could always depend.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Sheila; sister, Mildred Blesener; and grandchildren, Sam and Emily Hayford. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle "Misha" Mahowald; his parents; and his siblings, Elmer, Bill, Dick, Margaret, and an infant brother.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services. Interment will take place at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.

Donations in Al's memory suggested to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Immaculate Heart Church, Crosslake, or St. Helena Church, Minneapolis.