Abe Askevold passed away in Peoria, Ariz. on December 5, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held August 6, 2022, beginning at 2 p.m., at the American Legion in St. James.
 Abraham “Abe” Benjamin Askevold was born August 6 1944, in Ames, Iowa to Philip and Lucile (Eness) Askevold. He grew up south of St. James and graduated from St. James High School in 1962. He enlisted in the Air Force in January of 1964. Abe married Carol Achterhoff on December 11, 1965. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force January 7, 1970, Abe worked at various shops and the city of St. James as a mechanic. In January 1976, Abe started his work as an automotive technician for the Minnesota National Guard at Arden Hills. The family then moved to Blaine so he could continue his civil service until his retirement in 1998. Following his retirement in 1998, Carol and Abe moved to Washoe Valley in northern Nevada where Abe built his own automotive shop. They lived in Nevada with their lifelong friends Linda and late husband Steve Erickson until 2016 when they moved to Sun City West, Ariz., in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
 Abe is survived by his wife, Carol, and children, Darrin Askevold and wife, Susan of Blaine, Mark Askevold and wife, Laura, of Anthem, Ariz. and Dana Kirschenmann of Ahwatukee, Ariz., his grandchildren, Ben Askevold, Faith Askevold, Courtney Askevold (and Brandon), Sydney Hansen and husband, Sean, Ashley Kirschenmann (and Brian), Kaitlyn Kirschenmann (and Pint!) and one great-granddaughter, Harper Hansen. He is also survived by his siblings, Sara Carlson and husband, Duane, of St. James, Jon Askevold and wife, Pam, of Fairmont, Roger Askevold and wife, Melissa, of Granada and Joan Askevold of Minneapolis.
 He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Lucile Askevold and his parents-in-law, Clarence and Louise Achterhoff.
 Abe was a ray of sunshine. His smile could warm the coldest of hearts. His laughter could heal the saddest of people. His attitude could inspire even the most defeated soul to continue on. Abe blessed everyone he came in contact with nothing but bright happy warmth. His positive attitude, his generosity, his kind words and that bigger than life smile will be cherished by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.