Alan S. Karoff

Alan S. Karoff, age 77 of Stillwater, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at his home. Alan was born in Chicago, IL to Sidney and Irene (Eihlers) Karoff. He served for six years in the U.S. Navy as a Radio Operator aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DD-823). During his deployments, the destroyer was part of the first Nuclear Powered Task Force and participated in the Vietnam War. Alan was united in marriage to Melanie Hirdler on August 10, 1968 at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis. The couple were blessed with their four children, Michele, Christine, Jessica and Brian. Alan spent his career in the technology industry working for 25 years at Unisys, followed by 25 years at Cray Research which was acquired by Silicon Graphics International (SGI). He was so highly respected that while at SGI he was asked to step in as interim CEO during the acquisition by Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE), a role he readily accepted.

True to his initials "ASK", his loving advise worked for those who would simply, "ASK". Alan's kindness and selflessness was always present, which was apparent when you sat and talked with him.

Above everything else, Alan's family was most important to him. Creating center pieces, through his wood working skills, each of his children would have a lasting memory of his care delivered by his hands.

He enjoyed walking in nature and appreciated all its beauty. He found fishing, golfing, and hunting a time to relax and bond with family/friends. He was delighted by the holidays, Christmas being a favorite; but Halloween brought the most fun, as he relished decorating his porch for the trick-or-treaters.

In lieu of the effects of Dementia, Alan would still share the familiar, "I love you. Yes, I do!" Alan unquestionably was Iconic in his own time.

Alan will remain in the hearts of his beloved wife of 55 years, Melanie; children, Michele Frenchik, Christine (Mark) Escobedo, Jessica (Isaac Chlan) Karoff, and Brian (Holly) Karoff; grandchildren, Abigail, Emily, Andrew; Alexa, Ava, Oscar; Tyler, Madalyn, Ethan, and Bennett; great granddaughter, Mira; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Paul Frenchik.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Church of St. Michael, 611 3rd Street S, Stillwater, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the Mass. Interment at St. Michael's Cemetery, Bayport, MN.

 

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