Aaron Edward Culver

Aaron Edward Culver, 88, of Oronoco, MN, passed away on December 22nd, 2023, with family at his side. He was known for his inventive problem-solving, even-keeled demeanor and strong faith.

Aaron was born on July 20, 1935, at the family farm in Oronoco to Lecil and Berl Culver. He was the second of five children. Initially the doctor thought he was stillborn until his mother saw him moving after he had been set aside. He began driving a tractor at the age of four when his father replaced the horses with a 1939 John Deere H. At the age of twelve, he started working for his neighbor Vernon Rucker and earned twice what many grown men were paid at the time. Aaron continued to work for Vernon for many years, farmed his own land and later was employed at the Mayo Clinic until his retirement. He also served in the Minnesota National Guard. Aaron designed and rebuilt the family home after the original farmhouse was lost in a fire in 1958 and continued to reside there until shortly before his death.

On May 20th, 1975, Aaron married Marla Busian after meeting her through his sister Florence. Together they raised a large family. The older children remember taking trips around the country. One particularly memorable trip involved going to Texas to pick up Red Wattle hogs. Aaron could fix anything. Neighbors would stop by with many projects for him to work on, even a prosthetic limb! He had strong values and encouraged his children to think for themselves and stand up for their beliefs.

He is survived by his children, Linda (Jerry) Skelley, Karen (Lanse) Kyle, Barbara (Katy Hughes) Andrew, Ruth Siems, Teri (Ray) Tolliver, Cathy (Dave) Maxson, Jeff (Beth) Culver, Paul (Courtney) Culver, Stephanie Windy and Michael (Dalin Chan) Windy; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his siblings, Athenia Hafterson and Daniel (Connie) Culver. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marla; his parents, Lecil and Berl; and his siblings, Walter Roy Culver and Florence Culver.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Haven Care Center and Mayo Hospice for their care.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 12th, at Mahn Family Funeral Home – Mahler Chapel, in Pine Island.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.