Clarice Irene Aakre

Clarice Irene (Thorson) Aakre, 105, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Viking Manor, Ulen, MN.

Clarice was born on August 19, 1920, to Clarence and Tilla (Moen) Thorson, in Moorhead, MN. She grew up on her parents’ farm south of Hawley. She attended country school through the 8th grade before attending Hawley High School. She worked for local farm families near her home and later for The Times Café and Fairmont Creamery in Moorhead, MN.

Clarice met Herbert Aakre before the war, and they were united in marriage on December 15, 1945. In 1955, they purchased the Burrill farm in Eglon Township where they farmed and raised their three children.

In the late 1960’s Clarice and Herbert sold their milk cows and purchased a camper. They enjoyed going on camping trips, having their grandkids at the farm, and attending their many games. Herb passed away in 2008 and Clarice continued to live on the farm until 2022. She moved to Northern Lights Assisted Living in Ulen, and in 2025, to Viking Manor, also in Ulen.

Clarice was involved with ladies aid, circle, and the Syttende Mai dinner at Solem Lutheran for many years. She loved living on her farm and enjoyed gardening, flowers, and watching birds. She was an amazing cook and baker. Coffee, cookies, and if you were lucky, fresh homemade donuts were a staple of visiting her at the farm. The visits by her family and friends were her greatest joy. Often, her first question was “Have you heard from the kids?” She was always interested in what everyone was doing.

Clarice is survived by her children, Michael (Verlyn) Aakre, and Wayne (Mary) Aakre; daughter-in-law, Tammy Aakre; grandchildren, Stephanie (Ron) Mullenbach, Ryan Aakre, Arek Aakre, Mark (Lauren) Aakre, and Cameron (Amber) Aakre; great-grandchildren, Sam, Sydney, and Jack Mullenbach, and Porter and Laiken Aakre; and many other loving relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her loving husband; parents; son, Calvin; brothers, Tilford, Charles, and Lester; and sister, Gladys.

Clarice’s family would like to thank the staff at Northern Lights Assisted Living, Viking Manor, and HIA Hospice for the friendship and care she received from them. They would also like to thank you for your presence and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Northern Lights Assisted Living, Viking Manor, HIA Hospice, or Solem Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Solem Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, MN. A recording of the service will be available shortly after the service. Final resting place will be at Solem Lutheran Church Cemetery following the service at the church.