David "Dave" Aker

David Michael Aker, age 66, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away with family surrounding him on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in Rochester, MN.

David Michael Aker was born in Crookston, MN on April 2, 1956, to Milton and Grace (Ostgarden) Aker. He spent the first part of his younger years growing up in Fertile, MN where his love of baseball and spending time with family and friends began. He eventually moved with his family to the city of East Grand Forks, MN, where he made many lifelong friends and his passion for sports continued to grow. Dave had a great pride for the city of East Grand Forks and was not only an athlete himself, but a coach and mentor to many athletes over the years.

He worked for the city of East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation Department for over 40 years, during which time he met the love of his life, Faye. Dave and Faye were married at Our Savior's Lutheran Church of East Grand Forks, MN on November 2, 1985, and built a beautiful life together filled with many sporting events and quality time spent with family and friends. They brought two daughters into the world and were able to share many beautiful memories together. Dave also had a great love for hunting, fishing, and attending games of all kinds. He would always look forward to making these wonderful memories with family and friends. He never forgot his roots and would always make it back to Fertile for the county fair or picking choke cherries with his mom and grandma and would bring his children to share those traditions whenever possible. Dave was also inducted into the Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken Hall of Fame in the summer of 2021, being recognized for his great role in building the baseball program in his region and treasured every step of the way. He leaves an amazing legacy of loyalty, strength, and love for many. He wore many different hats, but played his heart out in each and every position of life that God blessed him with. His strong will and faith carried him through many days and will never be forgotten. Dave was blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime of being a grandpa and loved any time he was able to spend with his grandson, Emmitt. Following his transplants, he wanted to express his deepest gratitude to the donors and their families for giving him a second chance at life and to the numerous health care professionals that helped guide him through his long journey in Rochester.

Dave is survived by his wife of 36 years, Faye (Doble) Aker, his daughters Rachel Aker and Becca (Ryan) Walk and grandson Emmitt, his mother, Grace (Ostgarden) Aker, and sister Michelle (Dale Bruski) Aker all of East Grand Forks, MN; nieces and nephews Jeremy (Jackie) Aker, also of East Grand Forks, MN, Greg (Rachel) Sorvig of Carmel, IN, Katie (Daniel) Isbell of Portage, MI, Bryan Vold of St. Louis Park, MN, Matthew (Tori) Vold of Grand Forks, ND, and Kelly (Jordan) Odden of Jamestown, ND; great nieces and nephews Julia, Jolie, Jadyn, and Jacob, Leona and Elise, and Halle and Luke.

He was preceded in death by his father, Milton Aker and sister Denise.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks, MN with visitation beginning at 1:00 until the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in memory of Dave.