Elmer Julius Aakjar

SHARON — Elmer Julius Aakjar, 83, of Stonington, Conn., died on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in his home.

He is survived by his wife, June (Franks) Aakjar, whom he married on April 18, 1954. They were married for 52 years.

He was born on March 23, 1923, in Sharon, son of the late Gertrude and Peder Aakjar. He was the youngest of 10 children of Danish emigrants to the United States.

He grew up in Sharon and moved his family to Ossining, N.Y., where he worked as a machinist. He retired to Verbank, N.Y., and resided in Stonington for the last three years of his life.

He enjoyed meeting new people, and fishing, farming, antiques and tools. He was known for his good memory, sense of humor and red suspenders.

He had a large extended family including many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his eight children and their families, Adella and William Haggerty, Frederick and Sabine Aakjar, Karen and Don Edge, Kelvin Aakjar, Linda and Peter Blasini, Mark Aakjar, Sharon Aakjar, and Elmer Jr. and Mariann Aakjar; his sister, Marie Peterson of North Canaan; 10 grandchildren, Janell Haggerty Denis, Tristin Haggerty, Ethan Haggerty, Melissa Aakjar, Lucas Aakjar, Dylan Aakjar, Mark Aakjar Jr., Karl Aakjar, Peder Aakjar and Alexis Aakjar; and two stepgrandchildren, Michael and Kristina Edge.

He was pre-deceased by eight siblings, George Aakjar, Karen Johnson, Elizabeth Becker, Louis Aakjar, Amile Aakjar, Sophia Morehouse, Peder Aakjar and Laurena Kline.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m. at Ellsworth Cemetery in Sharon. It will be followed by a gathering at the American Legion Hall in Sharon.