Vincent Orlando Aaker

Vincent O. Aaker, age 77, died June 21, surrounded by his family, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester. Born in Fosston, Minn., the son of Rev. and Mrs. V.O. Aaker, he graduated from Hawkins High School in Hawkins, Wis. As a student at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, he pursued studies in preparation to attend Luther seminary. While attending the seminary in St. Paul, he married his college sweetheart, Marion Nelson. Following his internship at Osage, Iowa, under Rev. Luther Berven, and graduation, he was ordained in 1958. Together with Marion, they took up their first parish ministry at Taylor, Wis. Subsequently, he served Our Savior's at Pequot Lakes, Minn., and Gloria Dei and Our Savior's in Rochester. Two strong marks of his ministry were his ability to relate to people -- especially youth -- and to bring energy and revitalization to congregational life. Many of those youths remember Vince today for the youth retreats held at their lake cabin on Kabekona Lake and at Outlaw Ranch in South Dakota. Besides teaching them about Jesus, Vince made it a priority to teach many youth to water-ski. While Vince served Our Savior's in Rochester, the LUTHERAN STANDARD, official periodical of the former American Lutheran Church, did a feature article on that ministry, noting the innovations to worship and the exciting discipleship which marked the congregation's life under his leadership. Following his parish ministries, Vince also served in the Office of Development at Luther College in Decorah. He loved Luther College and as its representative brought many gifts to the college to strengthen its future. Later, he joined the staff at Bethany Homes in Rochester as its development officer. With the merger which produced the ELCA, Vince accepted a position with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Foundation, serving the ELCA in two Northern Minnesota Synods and the Eastern North Dakota Synod. Rochester became home to Vince and Marion in retirement. In retirement years, Vince served as a volunteer visitation pastor to shut-ins for several Lutheran congregations. He visited regularly, bringing communion to many elderly folks who remembered him as their pastor. Survivors are Marion, his wife of 53 years; daughter, Kris; son, Dave; two grandchildren, Danielle and Chad; three sisters, Irene of Joplin, Mo., Vollie of Concordia, Kan., and Ordell of Appleton, Wis.; and Loren, a brother, and his family who live in Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents. Vince donated his body to medical education and research, giving himself to others in death as he had done in life. His warm, gentle smile will be missed by his family and friends and many former parishioners. Memorial services will be held at a later date to be announced by the family.