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In memory of
Deborah "Debby" Aaker
January 5, 1951 - October 7, 2020
Jan 5, 1951 - Oct 7, 2020
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Debby's obituary
She was born January 5, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Dick and Ki Peterson. She grew up spending summers at Round Lake with her siblings – Pam, Robyn and Dirk. She had a passion for being in the water and was particularly adept at waterskiing. One of her more impressive tricks included one foot skiing (slalom) and the other foot holding the tow rope.
In April 1970, in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, she married her lifelong friend and love, Don Aaker. It was not uncommon to find them holding hands, digging in the garden, hiking “14ers” or dancing to Paul Simon’s, "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes." Until the day of her passing and in spite of lost speech, she could still be heard saying, "I love you" to him. Two young hippies searching for “peace,” they soon found the “peace that surpasses all understanding” in Jesus Christ. God called Don and Debby to travel the world and give of themselves selflessly. As humble servants, they packed up their homes and children and traveled to some of the most desperate and desolate regions of the globe. They lived in Guatemala and Northern Iraq, and launched countless other humanitarian projects throughout the world, all while sharing the love of Jesus.
Her memory faded, but her love for her family was unwavering. Don and Debby had four children – Emily, Jared, Ian, and Ben. She became a second mother to their spouses – James, Cindy, Heather, and Tori. She poured everything she had into her family, constantly emphasizing its importance. As her children grew, she regularly encouraged them to have as many children as possible; referring to them as "God’s greatest gift." Nine grandchildren later, she was known as the beloved “Gram” and the master of headstands to Luke, Marley, Wyatt, Ollie, Moses, Harper, Asher, Aksel, and Ezra.
Family extended beyond genetics and her proverbial door was always open. Often times through sharing a meal or slice of her famous homemade bread (recipe attached). She knew how to penetrate ones soul, listen, encourage, and motivate. After returning state side, she continued to mentor and minister at the prison and to anyone who needed a helping hand. Even during her final days, she would tell the memory care staff that they were beautiful and that Jesus loved them.
Today, she hikes in paradise—healed and renewed with memories—and tending to the gardens of her beloved King Jesus.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a charitable donation to Dementia Together, a local non-profit who helps those living with dementia and their care partners find answers and hope along the way.
https://secure.givelively.org…
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Memories & condolences
I remember Debby often and sometimes laugh out loud when thinking of our adventures and her wonderful laugh. Enjoy her,…
I remember Debby often and sometimes laugh out loud when thinking of our adventures and her wonderf…
I remember Debby often and sometimes laugh out loud when thinkin…
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Created with love by
Ben Aaker (Debby's son).
