MICHAEL ALAN AAMOT

1948 - 2024

Michael Alan Aamot was born in Montevideo on December 27, 1948. His parents, Phillip Aamot and Geraldine (Hodge) Aamot, raised Michael on the Aamot Century Farm adjacent to the Lac qui Parle Game Reserve. Michael's parents modeled integrity, nurtured Michael's work ethic, allowed him to direct his own learning, and encouraged his passion for exploring and caring for the world around him. Michael passed away on January 6, 2024.
After graduating from Milan High School in 1966, Michael attended Thief River Falls Area Vocational Technical School where he earned an associate degree in aviation mechanics in 1969. While working for Northwest Airlines and Burlington Northern Air Freight, Michael took classes to pursue a career in law enforcement. After 20 years with the Farmington Police Department, Michael retired in 2005. He was known as the policeman who believed in people, gave chances, and always cared for the least of us. His reputation for sharing Mike-isms, having nicknames for colleagues, and keeping a watchful eye on the younger officers earned him the affectionate nickname "Pops."
Michael married the love of his life, Barbara Murie, on June 15, 1991, at Zion Lutheran Church adjacent to the Aamot farm. They lived in Apple Valley until retiring to Red Wing in 2004 where they have continued to live while spending winter months in Arizona.
During his lifetime, Michael pursued multiple interests and excelled at all of them. He enjoyed photographing the bluffs of Red Wing and the Mississippi River. Following up on the interests his grandfathers initiated with their work on the Milwaukee Railroad, Michael worked on N-scale railroad models, was a member of the St. Croix Railroad Club in Hudson and frequently watched and photographed trains on both sides of the Mississippi River. In younger years he raced a sprint car and kept his personal vehicles in pristine condition. This set high standards and unspoken expectations for his daughters to do the same. He successfully recruited Barb to assist him in keeping their lawn and yard enviable. Michael loved sharing cups of coffee and lengthy conversations. He was a master of trivia, particularly the history of aviation during WWII. Michael and Barb enjoyed traveling, and Michael polished his photography skills in Alaska, Europe, South America, and the islands of the Mediterranean Sea.
Michael's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Barbara Murie. Although responsible for his white hair appearing early in his life, he unconditionally loved his daughters, Wendy (Jason) Jones, Hope (Matthew) Walburn, Kellie (Le­Roy) Taggart, and Amanda Petri. His nine grandchildren - Gage and Madeline Reagan; Aria, Noah, and William Michael Walburn; Bailey Thomas; and Kathryn, Alyson and Vivyan Meixelsperger - shared many of Michael's hobbies and interests which filled his heart with their love and enthusiasm. Michael is also survived by his sister Gayle (Jon) Blom, brother James (Lynette) Aamot, sister-in-law Debra Wheatley, brother-in-law Michael (Carolyn) Murie, and a wealth of precious nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his toddler brother Steven Phillip, his parents, and his brother-in-law Joe Wheatley.
A burial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church with Michael's immediate family attending. A Celebration of Michael's Life will be held in Red Wing.
In lieu of attending a service for Michael, his family encourages you to spend time with the people you love. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society. Your caring thoughts and prayers are sincerely appreciated.