Irene Aakre

KASSON -Irene Aakre, 90, of Rochester and formerly of Kasson, MN died peacefully in her home at Meadow Lakes Assisted Living on July 23, 2014. She was born in Elgin, MN to Henry and Ella (Brueske) Miller on March 22, 1924.She lived in Elgin area until marrying Truman Aakre on September 25, 1943 when they moved to Rock Dell MN.They lived in southeastern Minnesota area their entire lives. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran church in Kasson, MN.She was a homemaker but also held various part time jobs in retail sales at Anthony's in Spring Valley, Sears in Rochester and the floral shop in Kasson.She enjoyed her family foremost but also liked cooking, baking, cake decorating, crafting, painting and fishing.She loved going to their lake cabin and later camping. She was preceded in death by her husband and her grandson, Bret Aakre; as well as her four sisters and one brother. Irene is survived her her son, David (Marlene) Aakre of Kasson,Julianne Aakre ( Stephen Cooper)of Surprise, AZ and Debra (Gregory) Andrist of Rochester.She is also survived by five grandchildren; Jodi (Patrick) Miller, Chad (Kara) Aakre, James ( Michelle) Aakre, Dustin (Tara) Andrist and Lindsey Andrist and eight great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW in Kasson.Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday July 30, 2014 at Ranfranz Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service at the church.Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville. Irene donated her brain for Alzheimer's study.The family requests donations to Alzheimer's research at Mayo Clinic which can be made by calling 1-800-297-1185 or also on the website www.mayo.edu/researchcenter.Memorials are also appreciated to St. John's Lutheran Church. Blessed be her memory.