Longtime mechanic Kurtis Aasen of Bemidji dies at 78

Kurtis Ray Aasen, 78, of Bemidji, MN died Thursday, January 1, 2026 at his home." Aasen was born Feb. 25, 1947, in Wheeler, Wisconsin, and spent much of his working life as a master mechanic, operating a garage in Minneapolis before relocating to Bemidji with his partner, Pauline.

Aasen's career in automotive repair and small-business ownership marked decades of hands-on work and service. Those years as a master mechanic and garage operator are part of the fabric of a generation of tradespeople who supported local transportation and small-business networks across the region. His move to Bemidji brought him closer to family and neighbors in Beltrami County, where he lived until his death.

He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, siblings and his partner, Pauline. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson. The notice directs condolences to Cease Funeral Home for family messages and remembrances.

For local residents, Aasen's death is a reminder of the close-knit networks that sustain small communities: family ties, long-term friendships and practical trades that underpin daily life. Mechanics and small-business owners like Aasen often carry institutional knowledge about vehicles, tools and local supply lines that does not easily transfer to new generations; their retirements or deaths can affect how services are maintained and passed on in a county with many rural and lakefront properties relying on personal vehicles and utility equipment.

Though Aasen’s work was concentrated earlier in Minneapolis, his presence in Bemidji connected him to Beltrami County’s social fabric. Family members and neighbors who shared years of personal and practical ties to Aasen will likely mark his passing with private remembrances and messages to the funeral home.

An obituary notice was posted Jan. 8, 2026. Condolences and arrangements are being handled through Cease Funeral Home.