Funeral services for Edna (Schmidt) Aakre, of Albert Lea will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Kent Otterman will officiate. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Albert Lea. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edna S. Aakre died at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea on Friday, July 12, 2013. She was 95 years old.

Edna was born to Edward and Anna (Fischer) Schmidt in Queens, N.Y., on Nov. 3, 1917. She grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and attended public school at P.S. 113, Halsey Junior High School and Franklin K. Lane High School. She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in science education, obtained elementary certification at State University of New York, Cortland, N.Y., and later a master’s degree in elementary education from Mankato State University in Mankato. After graduating from Cornell University, she taught for six years in secondary schools on Long Island, N.Y.

On Sept. 1, 1943, Edna and Arne Aakre were married in Brooklyn. After World War II and when Arne was discharged from the Army, they moved to Fairmont where eventually they bought a farm. Their three children were born in Fairmont, and Arne continued farming until his retirement. Edna returned to teaching and in 1960 the family moved to Albert Lea where she taught in Sibley and Lakeview elementary schools. She retired from teaching in the Albert Lea School District in 1983.

Edna was fascinated by natural processes exhibited around her. She found enjoyment in being out-of-doors and hiking. These interests were encouraged by membership in Girl Scouting and the Audubon Society. Because of her interest in teaching, she was an active member of the MEA, REAM and Delta Kappa Gamma. Belonging to the Y and membership in her church brought her enjoyment and satisfaction.

Surviving members of her family are son, Nelson (Judith) Aakre of Onalaska, Wis.; daughter, Diane (James) Johnson of Rochester; daughter in-law, Teresa Aakre of Onalaska; grandchildren, Marie Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Allyson Aakre, Amanda Aakre and Alex Aakre; sister in-law, Mildred Gulla of Fairmont; as well as loving nieces and nephews.

Preceding Edna in death were her parents, Edward and Anna Schmidt; husband, Arne B. Aakre; son, Warren Aakre; and brother, Dr. Victor E. Schmidt.