Alton Huso

COTTONWOOD–A time for coffee and fellowship commemorating the life of Alton Huso, 90, of Cottonwood, MN, will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood. A private family interment will take place at a later time.

Alton Kay Huso was born at home on July 19, 1935 in Vallers Township to Thorbjorn Knute Huso and Mildred (Olson) Huso. He was their middle child, with older brother, Tommy, and younger brother, Lyle. Alton was baptized and confirmed at Silo Lutheran Church in Cottonwood, MN.

For the first six years of his education, he attended country school at District 87. His mother gave her three boys a ride to school most days. Some days Alton got to ride the family bike to school and always told folks that the wind was against him both ways. Alton completed his schooling in 1953 when he graduated in a class of sixteen members from Cottonwood High School. He didn’t play sports during high school because there was always too much work to be done at home. Alton and his brothers liked playing around in the yard or doing their farm chores such as gathering eggs, and feeding the chickens and cats.

After high school graduation, Alton continued to work with his dad on the farm. After his dad died in 1957, Alton was soon drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Germany near the Alps. He liked his time in Germany, and was honorably discharged from the Army and returned home on Easter Sunday, 1960 in order to help with spring planting. He enjoyed being a member of the American Legion for 51 years and made so many lifelong friends there. He was proud to represent the Legion whenever he could or was called upon to do so.

Alton enjoyed cars and reminisced about a couple of the family cars, especially a Model A Ford and a 1940 Chevy. His first car was a 1951 Chevy 2 door with a white bottom and a gray hard top.

One night when Alton was at the Chalet Restaurant in Marshall with his good friend, Norm Knudson, the restaurant owner suggested to them that they come over and meet a couple of women who were also there. One of the women was named Carol, and a spark must have been ignited because Alton and Carol were married on March 26, 1966 at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood. Alton not only said, “I do” to Carol and ended his bachelor life, he also became a father to the Berg boys, Dean, Dave, and Rick. Alton was quoted to say, “That went better than I expected it would!” In 1967, Daniel was born, and Krisann was born in 1971 to complete their family.

Alton’s parents modeled for him the values of kindness and patience by helping and visiting with neighbors. He always knew what was happening in the neighborhood. His red pickup was legendary as he drove around to check on crops and neighbors. He was always observing and noticing – and was eager to help out on a project or just visit over coffee. He was a good listener, and if a story was told, his fact-checking skills were extraordinary!

Alton farmed his entire life and had cattle for 23 years which kept him and his kids busy. He liked to take time off from farming to go hunting in the fall with the neighbors. Another activity that Alton liked was going to the Hanley Falls Threshing Show in the summer to see the old tractors and machines, visit with people, and eat a piece of pie. If his grandchildren were tagging along with him, it made the outing even better.

Alton was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church where he enjoyed ushering for many years, making people feel welcome and seen. He was a member of the Coop Board and Township Board of Directors for many years.

His grandchildren, Keely, Riley, Kyle, Caroline, and Christopher brought much joy to Alton and Carol. They loved hearing their stories and attending their events. They always made time for these precious grandchildren. It was especially exciting when great-grandson, Thorbjorn came along. Thorbjorn always had an entertaining story to share.

Alton died peacefully under hospice care on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Fieldcrest Assisted Living at the age of 90 years, two months and 13 days.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 59 years, Carol; his three stepsons, Dean (Karen) Berg of Cottonwood, MN and their adult children, Kyle Berg, and Christopher (Kalley) Berg; Dave Berg of Chandler, AZ and Cottonwood, MN; and Rick (Cyndi) Berg of Farmington, MN and their adult children Riley Berg, and Caroline Berg; Daniel Huso of Good Thunder, MN; and Krisann Huso of Cottonwood, MN and her daughter Keely (Alex Pehrson) and Keely’s son, Thorbjorn Thompson. He will also be missed by his nephews and nieces, extended family and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thorbjorn and Mildred; his brothers, Tommy and Lyle; and his sisters-in-law, Erma and Rose.

Alton will be remembered for his caring heart and kindness, and his ability to connect with people with an unforgettable smile. He was a great storyteller with a heart of gold.

Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association Echo, Minnesota 507.925.4145 www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com