Donald Wayne Aakre, age 72, of Austin, died Saturday morning, March 25, 2006, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home surrounded by his wife and children.

Don was born Dec. 23, 1933, to Olav and Wilma (Armbrust) Aakre in Trimont. He graduated from Trimont High School in 1951 and in the same year moved with his parents to the Austin area. He graduated from Austin Junior College in 1953. On June 9, 1956, he was united in marriage to Darlene May Nyenhuis at Oakland Lutheran Church. Don served with the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, serving in Germany. He had a long career in the financial community, starting at the Austin State Bank. In 1967, the family moved to Rochester, where Don began work at the Mayo Clinic Business Office. In 1969, the family returned to Austin, where Don began his work at the Hormel Employees Credit Union. Don retired from the Credit Union in 1995, after 26 years of working with many members of the Austin community, creating life-long friendships and helping many families along the way. Don was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and a charter member of the Austin Chapter of the Sons of Norway. Don loved to travel and created many memories with the family on summer trips to various sites around the United States. After retirement, Don and Darlene continued their travels and spent winters in Oceanside, California, near friends and family. Don enjoyed visiting with friends, playing cards and dominos and testing his luck at the local casino. In all of his accomplishments, Don will most be remembered for being a loving husband, father and grandpa.

Survivors include his adoring wife of 50 years, Darlene Aakre of Austin; four wonderful children, Duane Aakre of Ft. Worth, Texas, Debra (Mark) Sherman of Austin, Denise (Chuck) Webber of Lakeville and Scott (Kristin) Aakre of Austin; six loving grandchildren, Erik and Rachel Sherman, Daniel and Michael Webber, Noah and Jordyn Aakre; sisters-in-laws, Helen (Roger) Will of Dana Point, Calif., Georgia Nyenhuis of Albert Lea and brother-in-law, Daryl Behn of Austin; also several uncles, aunts and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Olav and Wilma Aakre.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Ronald Barnett officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Lutheran Cemetery, rural Oakland. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.