James Lakso

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora with Deacon Mark Skala officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Memorials are kindly preferred in lieu of flowers.

James Matthew Lakso, 64, of Aurora died Monday, December 1, 2025 at his home of natural causes.

Jim was born on January 7, 1961 to James and Sharon (Smolich) Lakso in Aurora. He graduated from the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School, Class of 1979. Jim furthered his education at Eveleth Vo-Tech where he earned a degree in maintenance mechanics. Jim was employed by LTV Steel until it’s closure and later went to work at Hibbing Taconite from where he retired. Jim was an active citizen of Aurora. He was a former City Councilor, and a retired Aurora Volunteer Fireman and EMT. When Rudy’s was owned by his grandfather he had helped out as a bartender and with general repairs. He enjoyed feeding deer in his yard, gardening especially tomatoes, coin collecting and fishing. Jim was beloved by his friends and neighbors.

Survivors include his son, Daniel (Vanessa Durfee) Lakso of Cloquet; three granddaughters: Aliyah (Nick Lindberg) Lakso, Hanna Lakso and Arianna Lakso all of Cloquet; great-grandchildren: Jinora and Seer; his parents: James and Sharon Lakso of Aurora; siblings: Robert Lakso of Cook and Cheryl (Brian) Kittleson of Litchfield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins and friends.