Verne D. Aaker

Verne’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 10:00 AM Monday, August 10, 2026

LaVerne Donald Aaker, age 92, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully at Bethany Retirement Community on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Verne was born on December 31, 1933, to Inez and Arnold Aaker in rural Kenyon, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Holden Lutheran Church. He grew up with three siblings who remained close, lifelong friends.

Verne worked hard on the farm and graduated from Kenyon High School. He continued his education at Luther College in Decorah, IA, where he met the love of his life, Donna Jean Hatlestad. To serve his country and help fund further schooling, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Japan for two years. Following his tour of duty, he continued college at St. Olaf in Northfield, MN, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later he pursued a Master of Arts from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Verne and Donna married on May 4, 1957. Not long ago, he said it was the best day of his life. They raised their three children who were so fortunate to grow up in a loving family that modeled strong Christian values.

Verne’s servant heart and passion for helping others aptly led him to a career in social work. He was employed at agencies in Rochester, Mankato, and Fargo. Over the years he supervised child protection, foster care and adoption programs, family counseling, and assistance for disabled adults, elderly, and refugees.

He was an active member of Olivet Lutheran Church for 58 years, serving on several committees. Verne and Donna made many close friends throughout the years. Together, they enjoyed dinners, game nights, vacationing, and attending concerts.

The family enjoyed the Lake Eunice garage that Verne remodeled into a well-loved family cabin. Most summer weekends were spent there as the grandchildren grew up. Some favorite memories of dad/grandpa include swimming, fishing, grilling, yard games, and playing cards.

Verne’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was their biggest supporter in all their endeavors. Whether woodworking, tending the garden, or maintaining the cabin, he found fulfillment in hard work and the simple satisfaction of a job well done.

Verne is lovingly survived by his children Cindy (Brad) Larson, Karen (Brian) Bluhm, and Mark (Tracy) Aaker; grandchildren Jenna (Brian) Knoblauch, Andrew (Dakota) Larson, Kaitlin (Donny) Tabery, Sara (Dean) Haugen, Matthew (Lindsay) Bluhm, Becca (Nels) Aaker Eide, and Mari (Justin) Aaker-Berg; great grandchildren Ellie, Bennett, Liam, Landon, Lily, Olivia, Otis, Kora, Josie, Arie, Gordie, Macklin, Anders, and Lily; siblings Gerald (Judy) Aaker, Lois Lerum, and Jean Berg; as well as sister-in-law Mary Hatlestad.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna; brothers-in-law Rev. Bill Berg, Gerrold Lerum, and Donald Hatlestad.

Verne will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, quiet strength, genuine kindness and devotion to his wife and family. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the friendships he built and the family he loved so dearly.

The family would like to extend their warmest thank you to the staff at Bethany Homes and Ethos Hospice for their exemplary care and genuine love for their parents.