Marvin Arthur Aaby

Marvin Arthur Aaby passed away on September 26, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born on August 24, 1941, in Rockford, Illinois, to Jeanette Nelson Aaby and Arthur Aaby. He graduated from East High School in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served two years of active duty on the USS Dixie, followed by two years in the Naval Reserve. His honorable discharge from active duty facilitated his education at Pierce Community College and the University of California at Northridge, both in southern California. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in accounting and ultimately returned home to Rockford to start his career. Prior to moving to California's San Fernando Valley for school, Marv married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sharon Margretta Peterson Aaby. They were wed on August 30, 1961, and celebrated 59 years of marriage before she died in 2021. Throughout their decades together, they enjoyed square and round dancing, playing every card game known to man (except bridge), and fanatically caring for their home and pristine yard. After a mild midlife crisis, Marv permed his hair, bought a Camaro (for sticker price!), and changed career paths. He found the job of his dreams - sales. It was the perfect path for a man who loved talking more than anything else he ever did - and he was paid for it! He successfully marketed and earned many awards for the Dontech Yellow Pages. Marv and Sharon embarked on early retirement at 55 years old. Upon retirement, the couple spent summers in Minocqua, Wisconsin, and winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. When they decided to shake up their travel destinations, they embarked on dozens of trips to Mexico and the Caribbean. They always sought out the sun and sand! Over their six-plus decade love affair, the couple raised three daughters, as "willed" by Marv to have all girls: Kelli (Jeff) Aaby-Stovall, Konni (Norm) Carlson, and Kammi (Dave) Reed. They watched their family grow with grandchildren, Adam (Mackenzie) Stovall, Andrew (Lauren) Stovall, Korena (Todd) Campbell, Micah Carlson, and Anaka Carlson. The tree branched yet again with great-grandchildren, Reed and Charlie Campbell. Two more great-granddaughters, affectionately known as "Dolores" and "Betty," are due to arrive this fall and winter. Marv and Sharon would be so proud! Marv is survived by his three daughters and their families; brother, Milt (Diane) Aaby; niece, Jodi (Greg and children Gabe and Anna) DelGreco; brother-in-law, Ken (Barb) Peterson; and great friend, Mike Sullivan. He was untimely predeceased by his sister-in-law, Karen Aaby, and niece, Carrie Aaby. Many thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice. No one should go through life's transition without your team! You couldn't have been more reassuring and thorough. An enormous shout-out to the amazing care at Harbor Lights Nursing Center at Wesley Willows! Your exceptional team demonstrated compassion, understanding, skill, patience, and comfort to Marv and to his whole family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!! Per his wishes, there will be no celebration of life. Please channel your inner Marv and honor him with lively conversation with your friends and family. Leave your phones behind. If you prefer a charitable memorial, an animal organization of your choice would be appreciated. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marvin Arthur Aaby, please visit our floral store.