Michael C. Alford

Michael C. Alford, age 67, of Brooten, and formerly of Dassel, died Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at his residence under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 30th at Ka De Shack in Brooten with a prayer service beginning at 4 p.m. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Brooten.

Michael “Mike” Craig Alford, son of Walter S. and Lillian A. (Oles) Alford, was born in Braham, MN, on February 20, 1956. He was welcomed home by his big sister, Michele. Mike was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. When he was young, Mike’s family resided in various cities in central and west central Minnesota, including Cambridge, Hopkins, Howard Lake and Brooten. Mike attended school in the each of these cities before graduating from Brooten High School in 1976. When Mike was 13 years old, his mother Lillian died of cancer. A few years later, his father married Doris Holland, and the family grew to include her three children, Nancy, Larry and Wayne.

After high school, Mike worked as a carpet layer for many years. He also drilled wells in the southern United States for several years and was proud of his ability to “water witch” (locate water by use of a stick or fork). In the mid-1990’s, Mike successfully sought treatment for chemical dependency issues which led him to a career as a chemical dependency counselor and technician. He worked in that capacity at various facilities including New Beginnings in Waverly, Focus 12 in St. Cloud, and New Visions in Alexandria. Ultimately, respiratory issues forced him into retirement. Mike had been living in Dassel, MN, until a recent cancer diagnosis led to Hospice care. He had a special fondness for Brooten and the people he met there and so he chose to return to Brooten in his final days.

Mike was dedicated to sober living and believed strongly in the ability of 12 - step programs to help those who struggle with addiction. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his faith in God and his commitment to sober living. Mike died on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at his residence in Brooten under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice. May his memory be blessed.

Mike is survived by his sister, Michele Alford of Clearwater and her children, Chad Jones, Jesse Remer and Tanya Weber and their families; step-sister, Nancy (Jan) Doebbert of Glenwood; step-brother, Larry (Shirley) Holland of Buffalo; along with other family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Walter, his step-mother, Doris Holland Alford, and step-brother, Wayne Holland.

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