Al Blake

It is with a very broken heart that we share the passing of Alan Richard Blake on July 27, 2024, at the age of 66.

He was born on November 12, 1957, to Raymond and Shirley Blake in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated in 1976 from St. Francis High School. In 1978, he graduated from Anoka Ramsey Community College with a General Associate of Arts Degree.

In 1987, he became a professional wrestler in the NWA. He wrestled under the name of Vladimir Petrov, “The Russian Assassin.” He had a passion for health and fitness from his teenage years until his death. 

Growing up, he was surrounded by music; his mother taught piano and vocal lessons, and his father was a band director. He developed a passion for music that he also passed down to his children.

In 1990, he met his wife, Karla, and married in 1992. They spent many years traveling around the world. His favorite destination was New York City. On their many travels to NYC, Al and Karla enjoyed going to Broadway shows and walking around Manhattan.

In 2004, Al and Karla were blessed by the birth of their daughter, Claire. In 2009, they were blessed by the birth of their son, Andrew. Al’s family was his world; he was so proud of Claire and Andrew and told anyone who would listen about them. He loved their family trips to Duluth and loved to see the ships come through the canal, along with getting to research about them. He loved going out to eat and having quality time with his family.

Al worked many jobs throughout his life. For the last ten years, he worked at Ruby’s Pantry where he worked as the Director of Food Sourcing. He loved his job, where he helped make sure families had food on their table.

Everyone who had the privilege to meet or know Al always said how kind he truly was. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Al is survived by his wife Karla Blake of Pine City; children Claire Blake and Andrew Blake of Pine City; brothers Lawrence Blake of Cedar, Greg (Trudy) Blake of Oak Grove, Phil Blake of Andover, Paul (Jill) Blake of Cedar; many nieces, nephews; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Denise Nelsen of Pine City, Darren (Erica) Nelsen of Spokane, Washington, Tonia (Fritz) Heller of Pine City; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Shirley (Wilkins) Blake.

Pastor Rob Spahr will officiate funeral services for Al: 11 AM; Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Pine City. A  visitation and reviewal will be held from 4-7 PM Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the Swanson Chapel of Pine City, and also one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place in Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family through Venmo @KarlaBlake; PayPal KarlaBlake289; or direct deposit at Frandsen Bank of Pine City, Minnesota.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com