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Obituary: Jeffrey Melvin "Opie" Aho

Jeffrey Melvin "Opie" Aho passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. He was born in Minneapolis on July 3, 1967. He graduated from Barnum High School in 1985. He worked at Woodland Services for five years, and retired from USG in October 2023 after almost 31 years of service. He was a great mentor and a great guy; everyone who worked with him knew it.

Opie enjoyed spending his time hunting and playing softball, cards and pinball. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, even though they could never win a world title. He especially had a passion for fishing and was famous for his "Aho's Guide Service 1-800-EAT-FISH."

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Aho. He is survived by his father, Melvin Aho; sister, Vickie Nesje; special cousin, Donny Aho; best friend-"brother" Adam (Julie) Klejeski; and those who call him "Uncle Opie," Rayna and Riata Klejeski.

We thank all the wonderful staff that cared for Opie throughout his 16-month courageous fight against kidney cancer, especially those on the 18th floor, Oncology, and Essentia Health hospice program.

Special thanks to Opie's friends that banded together throughout this journey, stepping forward and sharing their talents and time, which allowed Opie to focus on his battle.

Visitation: 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. Celebration of Life on Friday, March 15 at Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be at Mount Salem Cemetery in Mahtowa at a later date. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.