Margaret "Mikki" Carlene Aker

Margaret “Mikki” Carlene Aker, age 56, of Austin, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System Austin, after a courageous battle with Stage 4 cancer.

Mikki was born on October 23, 1969, in Austin, MN. She lived in Austin until she was adopted by Yvonne and Richard Aker. She loved having a large family and was known for her storytelling, especially her favorite memory of playing Monopoly with her dad for three days straight. She enjoyed board games, card games, and spending time with those she loved.

Mikki married Randy Merten on June 25, 2016, at Cornerstone Church in Austin, MN. She proudly convinced Randy to take the Aker last name. She graduated from Lidgerwood High School in North Dakota with a class of twelve and later attended NDSS for criminal justice, where she learned she was expecting her first son, Christopher.

Mikki worked as a waitress at Olivia’s Family Restaurant and continued when it became Barley’s Family Restaurant. She worked there for nine years and enjoyed her coworkers and customers. She loved Harley rides, warm weather, decorating for holidays, and spending time with her grandchildren. One of her proudest accomplishments was her 36 years of sobriety. She attended meetings at the Austin Alano Club and shared her story to help others through their struggles.

Mikki is survived by her husband, Randy Aker of Austin, MN; children, Christopher Aker of Kindred, ND, and Morgan (Mike) Skoglund of Thompson, IA; stepchildren, Kim (James) Kubalek of Ackley, IA, April (Dakota) Damm of Ackley, IA, Nichol Merten of Davis, CA, Randy (Winter) Merten of Lansing, IA, and Jessica (Tim) Kern of Bisbee, AZ; grandchildren, Charlie Petersen of Howard, SD, Owen Aker of Kindred, ND, Ryder Knutson of Thompson, IA, and Krew Knutson of Thompson, IA; siblings, Patrick (Julie) Farnsworth of Austin, MN, Mary Wolf of Buffalo, WY, Tammy Potter of MN, Edward Potter of MN, Denise (John) Sakry of Ottertail, MN, Paul (Holly) Aker of Sioux Falls, SD, Kevin (JaNyne) Aker of West Fargo, ND, Michael Aker of Tucson, AZ, Stephaine (Dan) Hedland of Barnesville, MN, and Jean Aker of Lidgerwood, ND; and many bonus grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Aker; son, Codie Aker; uncle, Myron Morgan; and her grandparents, Max and Mary Morgan.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Cornerstone Church in Austin, Minnesota, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Mikki and her son, Codie will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.