Alan Lako

Alan John Lako, 83, of Arthur, ND, passed away at home on February 2, 2026.

Alan was born on February 21, 1942, at home in Wolsey, SD, the son of John and Marian (Gogolin) Lako. At the age of two, he moved with his family to Arthur, ND. He was raised on the family farm, where he helped milk dairy cows.

He graduated from Arthur High School in 1960 and attended the North Dakota State School of Science (NDSSS) in Wahpeton for two years. On June 14, 1963, Alan married Kathleen Ness of Fargo. They shared 62 years of marriage and were blessed with seven children, fourteen grandchildren, and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Alan went into business with his father, helping found Lako Drilling a career he devoted himself to for many years, through his strong work ethic and dedication. Alan faced many challenges throughout his life, yet he remained steadfast in his faith in Jesus Christ and drew his strength from Him.

Alan was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Lee Lako; his daughter, Tonya Ann Foss; his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Leroy Brasel; his brother, Wayne Lako; his father- and mother-in-law, Harry and Phyllis Ness; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandi and Elwood Fearing; his nephew, Patrick Fearing; and his niece, Heidi Lako-Adamson.

Alan is survived by his wife, Kathy; and his children: Mark (Becky) Lako of Arthur; Paul (Julie) Lako of Arthur; Dale (Josephine) Lako of Hunter; Jodi Zieske of Arthur; and Elsie (Steve) Olander of Cape Coral, FL. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Buchholz of Fargo; Joni Kopischke of Las Vegas, NV; and Mariann (Scott) Provolt of Fargo; his sister-in-law, Viola Lako of West Fargo; his sister-in-law, Mary (Doug) Weispfenning of Hudson, FL; his brothers-in-law, Ron (Stacey) Ness of Kindred and Rick (Caroline) Ness of The Villages, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Grandchildren: Amanda (Calen) Hart; Ashley (Brandon) Flynn; Chase (Kennedi) Lako; Beth (Luke) Bush; Jacob (Kelsey) Lako; Samantha (Erik) Andersson; Casey (Alyssa) Zieske; Brandi (Scott) Mounts; Alexis (Travis) Shock; Logan Olander; Alyson Olander; Jacob (Britta) Foss; Kyle Foss; and Ceejay Foss.

Great-grandchildren: Karley and Brooklyn Flynn; Isaac, Eli, and Emma Bush; Tristan, Ignatius, Ruben, Johnathan, and Desmond Lako; Carl and Alan Andersson; Gage Tommerdahl; Elizabeth and Landon Zieske; Kylee, Ryker, and Pyper Mounts; Gentrie Shock; and Keely and Kaycee Foss.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at 11 AM at West Funeral Home in Casselton, ND with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place in Arthur, ND.

Memorials are not necessary; however, those who wish to do so may make a donation to a charitable organization of their choice.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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