Knute D. Aker, age 87 of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018 at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN.

Knute Donald Aker was born on January 18, 1931 in Nielsville, MN, the son of Carl and Joyce (Miller) Aker.  Knute grew up in Nielsville, MN and attended the rural Aker School, District 17.  On June 9, 1951 he was united in marriage to Pearl Erickson in Climax, MN. In 1952 he was drafted into the United States Army. Following his discharge from the US Army in 1954, he attended Hanson Auto Body School and then worked for Rydell Auto Body in Grand Forks for the next 24 years.  He then owned and Operated 2 Star Body Shop in Grand Forks, ND before retiring in 1992.

Family was his top priority. He loved helping his family with anything that needed fixing, and happily passed on his knowledge to his grandsons and great grandsons.  He spent his many happy years of retirement enjoying time with his family and friends at his home on Island Lake. He took great joy in the little things in life. He was always whistling while he worked and singing his made-up songs.

Loving family members of Knute include his wife Pearl of 67 years, daughters Peggy Schraeder of East Grand Forks, MN and Joy Nesvig of Fargo, ND; grandchildren Dean (June) Kassa, Aaron Schraeder, Kailee Schraeder, Amy (Ben) Erickson, Brian Aker, Jacob (Pamela) Nesvig, Kellen (Amber) Nesvig; great grandchildren Ronnie (Logan), Brandon, Hayden, Logen, Josephine, Annabel, Matilda, Griffin, Evan, Halena, and Ashton; and great-great grandchildren Navy and Vera Pearl.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Wallace Aker, son Donald Aker, and granddaughter Brittany Aker.

Blessed be the memory of Knute D. Aker.