Marie Sophia (Liska) Aakre

Marie Sophia (Liska) Aakre, age 90 passed away August 9, 2025 at Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls, WI.

She was born in Omaha, NE on November 13, 1934 to John and Sophia (Tomsicek) Liska. She greatly enjoyed her childhood in Omaha and carried her love of Omaha in her heart throughout her life. She graduated from South High School in Omaha -class of 1952.

Marie met Virgil Aakre while working at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha. They were married in Tampa, FL on March 21, 1955. After being stationed in several other states, Marie and Virgil settled in Cedar Rapids, IA where they welcomed their first child, David. After moving to Fridley, MN, they welcomed two more children, daughters, Barbara and Judy. Virgil and Marie celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past March!

In 1973, Marie and Virgil moved their family to Winona, MN. Marie was a homemaker and continued to raise her children. After her children were raised, she worked as a cook in the Winona Public School System - District 861 from 1988 - 1997. Upon retiring, Marie and Virgil moved to their lake home on South Long Lake in Brainerd, MN, a life they both greatly enjoyed. After 14 years on the lake, they moved to Menomonie, WI to be closer to family.

Marie took great joy in taking care of her family. She was an amazing cook. She enjoyed shopping in the produce section of the grocery store and thinking about how to incorporate healthy and tasty fruits and vegetables into the meals she made for her family. Her family enjoyed delicious holiday dinners. Every Christmas season she would cook several different kinds of delectable cookies and treats for her family to enjoy.

Marie's Christian faith was a priority to her. She was raised in the Catholic faith. Then transitioned to Lutheran after marrying Virgil. She was a member of the Lutheran church in every town they lived in. Most recently, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI. She had a beautiful alto singing voice and sang in the church choir for over 40 years!

When her body no longer allowed her to live independently at home, she moved to The Neighbors of Dunn County. She greatly enjoyed all of the many activities and outings led by Chuck Ausman. She later moved to the VA Home in Chippewa Falls to be with Virgil.

Marie also enjoyed visiting with the many family members on both sides of their family. She loved her brother, sister, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews greatly.

Marie is survived by her son, David (Ann) Aakre of Selma, CA her daughter Barbara (Martin) Zalusky of Bloomington, MN, her daughter, Judy (Bradley) Peplinski of Menomonie, WI, her two grandsons, Jordan and Jonah Peplinski of Menomonie, WI - all of whom she treasured, as well as several brothers- and sisters-in-law and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, her brother (Frank), her sister (Helen), her infant daughter (Susan), and many other loving family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Memorials can be directed to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or Saint Jude’s Children Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/ Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI with Pastor Sarah Miller officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Evanger Cemetery in the Town of Sargeant, Mower County, Minnesota at a later date.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com