.png)
Capt. Al Laaksonen
“The Finlander,” Captain Al Laaksonen, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Anyone who knew Al, knew he was a passionate, and hardworking man. I’m a “suomalainen poika”, or Finnish son, he would tell his boys, and a visit to his home might include some of the best smoked fish on the planet and a hot sauna. He loved his family, fishing, hunting, watching his grandkids play sports, Johnny Cash, PBR, and a good card game. His fierce competitiveness as a Lake Michigan charter boat captain and tournament fisherman made The Finlander a household name amongst salmon fisherman.
Albert Waltermar Laaksonen was born on November 28, 1938, in Rudyard to John and Rosa Laaksonen. In 1962, he married his wife of 62 years Roberta May Laaksonen (nee. Stocker). Together, they raised four children in Kalamazoo where Al received his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. Al then served for 32 years as the director of off campus life at Western Michigan University.
When salmon were planted in Lake Michigan in 1964, he found a new passion. His career choice suited his pursuit of king salmon as he and Robbie packed up their kids each summer to head to their favorite Ludington campgrounds. Since each person on his boat afforded him the ability to fish “two more” fishing rods, his children were raised on the waters of Lake Michigan. Al began charter fishing in 1975 with his boat the “Finlander” and sold fishing tackle through a catalogue business to help support his passion for fishing. The Finlander would go on to win numerous Lake Michigan fishing tournaments and one Detroit Free Press writer referred to him as the E F Hutton of Great Lakes salmon fishing. In 2012, Al retired from 37-years of charter fishing. The Finlander is now part of the Mason County Historical Society’s Rose Hawley Archives and is planned to be on display at the Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Upon his retirement from WMU, Al and Robbie relocated to Ludington where he spent the rest of his days. To know Al was to know that he would not retire quietly and fade into the sunset. In 2019 Al saw a need for a Lake Michigan tour boat, and in March of 2020, at the age of 81 (amidst the onset of COVID), Al purchased a former Mackinac Island ferry boat and brought the 65-foot Princess to Ludington to offer Sunset and Shoreline Cruises. The 148-passenger vessel moved to Manistee in 2021 and in March of 2022 the Princess was named the “Emerging Business of The Year” by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. That same year, Captain Al was featured in the Northern Express as “one of the most fascinating individuals to be found in northern Michigan.”
With the devotion of his family, Al was able to live out his final days at home in Ludington. He passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. He has left behind his beautiful wife, Robbie, and four children, Wally (Jenn), Rich (Tracey), Kevin (Linda), and Tammy (Jamie Bandstra).
Surviving are his brothers and sisters Will, Ray, Irene Soderblom, Elma Benedick, and Delores Augustson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward, and sisters Velma Langland and Bertha Dannenberg.
His legacy will continue in the lives and hearts of his grandchildren: Lucas, August, Kaydence, Kaleb, Joshua, Britney (Noah), Meagan (Kyle), James (Naya), Cameron (Katie), Josiah (Lacey), Sam (Hannah), and Abi; and four great-grandchildren: Tova, Albie, Koen and Thaddeus.
The family will host a Celebration of Life when the salmon start to bite. More details to come.
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.
.jpg)
