Bruce "Angel" Aspelin

Bruce “Angel” Aspelin was born on August 16, 1947 in Slayton, Minnesota.  He was the son of Rudolph and Lila (Ricketts) Aspelin.  He grew up on a farm where he learned the quality of hard work and the importance of family and friends.  Angel and his brother Kent learned the art of fabrication at a young age, using whatever was at their disposal to create and repair.  He graduated from Balaton High School and followed his sister, Jean to Alexandria and attended Alexandria Technical College for Diesel Mechanics.  After graduation he worked for Alexandria Truck and Tractor, Central Specialties Inc, among others.

Angel’s true passions were Honda motorcycles and Winchester firearms. These were two lifelong obsessions.  He only moved to more comfortable Harley Davidson seats and suspension when his body told him to.  He enjoyed trips to Sturgis with his motorcycle family and waterfowl and pheasant hunting in Minnesota and South Dakota.

He could fix just about anything.  It may not have been pretty but it was almost always functional.  His family and friends took priority when things needed to be done and his stuff could always wait. 

He took pride in being a stubborn old Norwegian, but he always said he was taking pills for it.  Angel was hard to argue with, yet a gentle old soul at heart.   He lived by some of these sayings:  “Enjoy, don’t analyze”, “Good morning, How ya doing this fine day” and “Why pay someone else to do it when I can do it myself?”

Angel left a legacy of loyalty that will never be forgotten.  He died peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2023.  He is survived by his son, Nate; grandchildren: Nolan, Aubrey, Hope, Caleb; sister, Jean Wendland; sister-in-law, Joan Aspelin; step son, Chad Cooper (Elizabeth); step grandchildren: Matthew and Grace and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, three brothers: Arnold, Jerry, Kent.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue on Thursday, April 20, 2023, 10:00 – 11:00 AM with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.