Aaker, Maynard and Minerva “Mimi” (Fredrickson)

(Maynard Aaker)

Maynard Elmer Aaker was born 29 May 1917 at Kenyon, MN, the son of Olaf N, and Ellen (Solberg) Aaker, Olafwas born in Kenyon, Holden Twp., 29 Jan 1880, the son of Nils K. Aaker and Martha Marie Olsdtr. Follingstad. Nils was born 9 Jul 1841 in Laurdal, Telemark, Norway and immigrated to America as a 4 year old in 1845. Martha was from Laurdal, Norway also. Nils and Martha were married 26 Feb 1863 at Holden Church, Kenyon. Maynard’s mother, Ellen Solberg, was born at Kenyon 12 Jul 1882, the daughter of Peter and Anne (Munsen) Solberg. Ellen and Olaf were married 7 Jun 1904 at Kenyon in Holden Church. His 3 brothers were Neal, Arnold and Leonard, who in their lifetime lived in Goodhue Co. Leonard lives on the original homestead in Kenyon. The farm was homesteaded in 1857. Nils purchased 200 acres of A-1 farm land for $1.25 per acre.

Maynard and Minerva Aaker with children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild, March, 1995.

Maynard married Minerva Fredrickson of Wanamingo, MN 18 May 1940. Minerva was the daughter of Nils and Emma Fredrickson. They were both born in Wanamingo and spent their lifetime there. Minerva had 2 brothers, Ray and Norris.

Maynard worked for Skelly Oil Company for 27 years. He was a salesman for 6 years, the Sales Supervisor for southern Minnesota for 8 years, Assistant Regional Manager in Minneapolis for 8 years and after 6 more years as District Manager out of Madison for Wisconsin, northern Illinois and the Upper Peninsula, he took early retirement from Skelly to move to Decorah in 1967 to serve Luther College as Director of Special Projects for 8 years. This was followed by 4 years as Assistant Development Director. After 6 years he retired as Vice President of Advancement, Emeritus. With President Farwell and members of his development team in fund-raising, the Preus Library, the Center for Faith and Life and the Jensen Music Building were funded and built.

In 1967 Maynard joined the Luren Singing Society and helped spearhead arrangements for Lurens 1973 and 1983 Norway concert tours, having also traveled to Nor-