October 8, 1970 – January 21, 2026
Jason Thomas Huckell, age 55, took his final ride and left this world on January 21, 2026, with the same mix of grit, humor and stubbornness that defined him in life.
Jason was born on October 8, 1970 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minnesota to Marilyn and Thomas Huckell. He attended William Kelley High School in Silver Bay, Minnesota, where he met his high school girlfriend, lifelong best friend, and constant in his life ~ Laura Ahlbeck~Cowles. Though life took them in different directions, Jason and Laura remained close friends over the years – a rare bond that stood the test of time.
Jason later married Kathy Murphy (Mitchell) on August 30, 1996 in Idaho Springs, Colorado. While living in Colorado, Jason worked as a ski lift mechanic at Loveland Ski Resort alongside his brother Dustin and friend Jamie – which meant he got paid to fix things at high altitude and probably test gravity more than he should have.
After returning to Minnesota, Jason followed in his father’s footsteps and became a member of Ironworkers Local #512. He loved motorcycles, snowmobiles, and anything with an engine that made noise. A gifted mechanic, Jason could fix nearly anything when he needed to. Later in life, Jason met another close friend, Annie, who became an important part of his story. Jason was the proud father of four children; Thomas (TJ), Jesse, Claire, and Wyatt, whom he loved more than they could ever know.
One of his favorite quotes that captured his outlook on life, “Never regret anything that has happened in your life. It cannot be changed, undone or forgotten, so take it as a lesson learned and move on.” Which, loosely translated means: Yeah, that probably wasn’t smart… but let’s keep going.
Before his passing, Jason was proudly employed by the City of Beaver Bay as a Public Works Maintenance Worker, working alongside his close friend Jody.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Huckell; grandparents, Donald “Si” & Clarise Klemmer, Al & Martha Huckell; uncle, Richard Klemmer; and aunt, Sandy “Ruth” Klemmer.
Jason is survived by his mother, Marilyn Klemmer (Gary); brothers, Dustin (Arlene), Scott & Troy Huckell; sons, Thomas “TJ”, Jesse & Wyatt; daughter, Claire; granddaughter, Rhett Lynn; uncles, George (Sandy “Lolly”), Kevin & Mark (Rozanne “Poosie”); aunts, Dianne (Tom), Margaret (Tom) & Tracy; nieces, Laci and Adaline; nephews, Sully, Carson & Wesley; as well as too many cousins and friends to list.
A Celebration of Life, including a pig roast (per Jason’s request), will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland, MN. After the celebration, in honor of Jason’s lifelong love of riding, there will be a memorial snowmobile ride for anyone that wants to participate. (Must know how to swim.)
Jason’s ride here may be over, but knowing him he has already hit the open road on his next ride (probably a little faster than advised).
