Kathryn I. Aaker

KATHRYN IRENE AAKER was born on September 15, 1924 to Arthur and Ruth (Brusse) Thompson in Martin Township near Hills, Minnesota. She graduated from Hills Public School in 1942. She moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where her childhood sweetheart, Russell Aaker, was stationed in the service. While in Little Rock, Kathryn worked at a local upholstery shop. The couple married on March 31, 1945 in Little Rock. Upon Russell’s discharge from the Army, the newlyweds returned home to a farm near Hills and Valley Springs, South Dakota. They farmed here from 1947-1966. They then farmed in the Luverne area from 1966-1975. Kathryn was a homemaker during their children’s younger years. Later on she worked at Luverne Paint and Glass. They sold the farm in 1975 and moved into Luverne. She joined Russell in remodeling and redecorating houses. Russell preceded her in death on July 29, 1987. Kathryn continued to reside in Luverne. She later lived at the Oaks and then transitioned to Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home where she died on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 13 days.

Kathryn was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. Throughout the years she was active in church choir and at Grace was a member of circle. She was a member of the Valley Springs Legion and the Luverne VFW. She enjoyed making rosettes at Christmas time, ice fishing, selling Avon, and hosting pool parties at their home on Spring Street. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and spoiled them every chance she could.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Barb Van Batavia and her husband Roger of Sioux Falls, SD, and Kevin Aaker and his wife Mary of Luverne; grandchildren, Jill (Dale) Brausen, Jennifer (Chris) Rowan, Nicole (Cody) Henrichs, and Ruston Aaker (Lucy Hewitt, fiance); and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; her parents, Art and Ruth; her siblings, Paul Thompson and Dorothy Larsen; and special friend, Bud Sexe.