Alan Ransom

Alan Charles Ransom was born on June 26, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Dr. H. Robert Ransom and Alberta Josephine (Hoenig) Ransom. He attended Osseo Schools and went on to obtain his Bachelors Degree from St. Cloud State University and his Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota. Al was an Elementary and Special Education teacher for 34 years in the St. Paul public school system before retiring in 2006. He enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard and served from 1969 to 1975.

Al was married to Lynn Marie Stoeck in April, 1994 and they made their home together in Minneapolis. As a couple, Al and Lynn shared many interests in common, and traveled together to many states and countries around the world. Their beloved dogs were the companions of their home. Al was devoted to his wife, family and extended family, dearly loving his nieces and nephews, his siblings, and attending the large gatherings they held regularly around the country.

Al was an attentive and loving husband and, in addition to his own interests, he was supportive of Lynn’s interests and talents, and none more so than at the dinner table. He thoroughly loved his wife’s cooking, but Al was always appreciative of any kindness shown to him. A man who truly loved life, and loved deeply, he would never allow his gratitude or kind feelings or words of encouragement to go unexpressed. Warm and approachable in all ways, humble and personable, he enjoyed conversation with anyone he encountered. He told jokes, often drawing a mixed response, and he would always sing the song if you happened to use the first words of the title in conversation. Al was insightful and thoughtful when you spoke with him, one of those rare people where you always felt you had his full attention.

As a boy, Al spent summers on Ottertail Lake, and thus began his lifelong love of fishing and lake life. Al and Lynn realized their dream of moving full-time to their lake home in Alexandria in 2006. Fishing was high on his list of pastimes, whether it be on the lake at home or up north at Lake of the Woods. He loved to bring up a walleye or two freshly caught from the lake for supper. Al caught amazingly huge fish in his life, even successfully trying ocean fishing in Mexico. He loved to be out on the water with Lynn and his best friends. Al volunteered in the “Let’s Go Fishing” organization in Alexandria sharing his talents and love of the lake with many people.

In recent years, Al enjoyed making wines and cider, learning his craft, and drinking a good beer at day’s end. He was a wonderful friend to many. Let us offer him our grateful toast as we remember him.

Al died unexpectedly on March 25 after shoveling snow from the recent storm. His wife Lynn, siblings Bruce Ransom (Xin) and Sharon Schmidt (Bob) and his fifteen nephews and nieces, mother-in-law Rosie Stoeck, brother-in-law Bryan Stoeck, and many friends, neighbors and former associates are left to mourn his death. He is preceded in passing by his parents and father-in-law Boris Stoeck. 

His funeral will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church, 1655 18th Avenue East, Alexandria, with visitation occurring one hour prior to the service.