Traz Akhavan

Traz Akhavan was born on May 23, 1933 in Hammadan to Mourad and Homayoun (Mehdi) Akhavan. He was educated in Tehran where he completed his medical degree. Traz moved to the United States where he completed his internship and residency. During his residency in Knoxville, TN he met Gail Elkins. On December 28, 1962 the couple were united in marriage. To this union the couple was blessed with four children. In 1965, the couple moved to Alexandria and was the second specialist to move into the area. Dr. Akhavan was hired to setup the Pathology Department where he covered Alexandria and a 150 mile radius. Traz enjoyed gardening and reading. He thoroughly enjoyed working and helping people. Most importantly he loved being with his wife and family. Traz died on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 80. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gail; children, Shirene (Farhad) Gounili of Woodbury, Katrina (Aaron) Binstock of Maple Grove, Suesan (Rami) Guirguis of Duluth and Brian Akhavan of West Fargo; grandchildren, Justin, Shayda, Cory and Joey Gounili, Noah, Ian, and Savannah Binstock, and Alexander and Christian Guirguis; brothers, Habib (Pouran) Akhavan, Khalil (Pari) Akhavan, Badi (Shahin) Akhavan and Ati (Soroor) Akhavan; sister, Mahboubeh Anvary; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Traz is preceded in death by his parents, Mourad and Homayoun; brother, Rouhollah; and sister, Zarin. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria. Interment was in Kinkead Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.