Donna J. Aaker

Donna Jean Aaker, age 90, of Fargo, ND, passed away June 14, 2026, at Bethany Retirement Home surrounded by her family.

Born on August 5, 1935, Donna was the daughter of Silas and Lillian Hatlestad. She grew up alongside her brother Clifford, sister Verdell, and twin brother Don on a farm near LeRoy, MN.

Donna lived a rich life with joy, laughter, and love. She attended Luther College in Decorah, IA, where she met the love of her life, Verne. They celebrated 69 years of marriage earlier this year!

She worked as a teacher and librarian and raised three children, in which she took great delight. She enjoyed hosting and feeding a crowd of family and friends, especially at the cabin they built on Lake Eunice.

Donna treasured family time and celebrations. Her grandchildren will remember her as an epic grandma who cheered for them at their musical, art, and sporting events. She had a way of making each one feel like they were her favorite.

She found joy in church life at Olivet Lutheran, reading, gardening, traveling, card playing, and spending time with friends and family.

Donna is survived by her husband Verne Aaker; 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; and great-grandchildren Ellie, Bennett, Liam, Landon, Lily, Olivia, Otis, Kora, Arie, Josie, Gordie, Macklin, Anders, and Lily.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Clifford, sister Verdell, and brother Donald.

Donna’s family would like to extend their warmest thank you to the staff at Bethany Retirement Home and Ethos Hospice for their wonderful care and kind hearts.

A memorial service will be held at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with visitation an hour prior. Burial will be held at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, North Dakota at a later date.