Marie E. Aakre

Marie E. Aakre, 97, of Lanesboro died Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Green Lea Manor in Mabel. Marie was born July 8, 1915, in Peterson to A.O. and Anne Marie (Thompson) Boyum. She was the 10th of 13 children. Marie graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1933. She lived for 10 years in Peterson before moving to a Lanesboro to be close to her father's local grain elevator. Marie, like her parents, were highly involve with their church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, especially in music. Marie and her husband, Arnold, were 50- year member of the church choir. Arnold met Marie during her employment at the Hanson Drug Store in downtown Lanesboro. He was a native of northwestern Minnesota and moved to southeastern Minnesota, pioneering in the newly formed U.S. Soil Conservation Service in 1938. Arnold and Marie were married on Aug. 14, 1938, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church parsonage by Pastor P.J. Nestande. Born to this union were, Mary Ellen, Elizabeth Ann, Stewart Arnold and Lowell James. After her children left home, Marie found new employment as a Lanesboro correspondent for the Preston Republican-Leader for nearly a decade. Marie's creativity expanded to her authorship of the C.C.C in Lanesboro, story found in Heartland Portrait, stories from the rural Midwest 2nd addition in 2009. Arnold was the former Mayor of Lanesboro. Marie was a member of the Mardi Club, WELCA, church choir for 50 years, and taught Sunday School. She was also on the Lanesboro Library Board for may years. The Aakres enjoyed traveling throughout their married life, visiting family and friends throughout the U.S. in 49 of the 52 states. Both were very involved in various community activities. Marie enjoyed entertaining immensely. She loved to write and many enjoyed her marvelous wit and journalistic style. Marie is survived by her children, Mary E. (Freiheit) Treu of Lanesboro, Elizabeth A. (Walter) Hubener of Mesa Ariz., Stewart (Darlene) Aakre of Kingman, Ariz., and Lowell (Mary) Aakre of Nashville, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; one brother, Duane T. Boyum of Kasson; and one sister, Rhoda (Marvin) Vernelle of the metro area. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, five sisters and five brothers. The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with the Rev. Kerry Eversole officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 6, at the church and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is in charge of arrangements. 507-867-4310. Online condolences may be made at www.rileyfuneralhomes. com.