Memorial service for 95-year-old Alfred T. Lahti of Mankato, Minnesota, was held Tuesday morning, February 10, 2015, at Woodland Hills Funeral Chapel in Mankato.
Interment with military honors was held prior to the service at Woodland Hills Memorial Park.
Alfred T. Lahti passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at Oak Terrace in North Terrace in North Mankato, Minnesota.
Alfred T. Lahti was born on October 27, 1919, the fourth of 10 children. He graduated from high school in Biwabik, Minnesota in 1937, and worked during the Great Depression years as a clerk in a general store, a general laborer on the railroad, and a “gofer” in a publishing firm.
Alfred served in the United States Army from January 1942 to December 1945.
He met his wife of 58 years, Eleanore, in July 1944 and they were married on May 24, 1945, after Alfred received his second lieutenant commission.
Alfred started working as a public accountant in June 1946, opening his own office in June, 1950. In 1966, he joined the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as an agent. He retired from the IRS in 1983.
Alfred’s volunteer work began early, having worked with the American Red Cross in high school. He served as a Bible camp director, established the Range Mental Health Service in Virginia, Minnesota, served on the MRCI board, worked with Tax Counseling for the Elderly, Friends of the Library, Lutheran Social Services, Meals on Wheels and PACT ministries.
He was an active member of Crossview Covenant Church in North Mankato, serving in many offices, plus teaching Sunday School and working with youth. Some of the results of his efforts are now serving Christ in various capacities.
Alfred had friends throughout the United States and Canada. He traveled to Zaire Africa; visited all 50 states and Europe. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, oil painting and writing.
Alfred is survived by three sons, David (Kristine) Lahti of Reno, Nevada, Duane Lahti of Crystal Lake, Illinois and Dwight (Karen) Lahti of St. James, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Christine, Timothy, Peter, Nathan, Alex, Matthew, Rachel, Megan and Ashley; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanore in 2003 and daughters, Marlene in 1969, Darlene in 1991 and Kathleen in 1993.