Rev. Vincent O. Aaker Passes Away

June 25, 2009

Dear Friends,

It is with sadness I want to inform you of the death of the Reverend Vincent O. Aaker, 77, on Sunday, June 21, 2009 after a brief illness. Vince donated his body to medical education and research, giving himself to others in death as he had done in life. Memorial services will be held at a later date to be announced by the family.

I believe that God created me and all that exists. I believe that God reveals his love to me and to all through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord and that through his death and resurrection, together with other believers, I have the gift of forgiveness and the assurance of life eternal. Through baptism, God has adopted me into His family and sealed me with His Holy Spirit. Through Word and Sacrament and fellowship this faith continues to grow. By the power of the Holy Spirit, together with all Christians, I have been called to praise and worship Him and to bear witness to the gospel by reflecting Christ's redeeming love in all that I do and say.

This faith statement reflected Vince's commitment to Word and Sacrament ministry in his more than 50 years of ordained ministry. A graduate of Luther College and Luther Theological Seminary, Vince was ordained in 1958. He served in Taylor, Wisconsin, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, Gloria Dei and Our Saviors in Rochester and then served as Director of Planned Giving for Luther College, Samaritan Bethany Foundation, Rochester and the ELCA Foundation in northern Minnesota. He retired in 1995.

Pastor Aaker is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marion, their son David and daughter Kristine, two grandchildren, three sisters and a brother. Expressions of sympathy can be addressed to: Mrs. Marion Aaker, 3853 Chesapeake Lane NW, Rochester MN 55901.

Dwell in the one who raised Christ from the dead; though your body shall die, In Christ you shall rise through the Spirit who brings you to life. Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor trials in the present, nor any trials to come, Neither height, nor depth, nor all of creation can ever separate us from the love of God poured out in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
ELW #622

God blessed us with the witness of Vince Aaker and we commend him to the loving arms of the Savior.

Shalom,
Harold Usgaard
Bishop