John Frederick Aune

John Frederick Aune
September 28, 1956 – February 21, 2026

John Frederick Aune, age 69, passed peacefully in his sleep on February 21, 2026, at his home in Bedford, Texas, surrounded by those he loved most after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on September 28, 1956, in Braham, Minnesota, to Herman and Jerrie Aune. From an early age, he demonstrated the discipline, talent, and quiet confidence that would mark his entire life. He was an excellent athlete, competing in pole vault and basketball, and he was equally gifted musically. He loved to sing, participating in choir and musicals throughout high school and college — a passion he carried into adulthood as a devoted member of his church choir.

On May 26, 1979, in Bloomington, Minnesota, John married the love of his life, Rebecca Marie. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith, laughter, service, and deep devotion. Their love was steady and evident to all who knew them.

John proudly served his country as a United States Navy pilot from 1981 to 1988, flying the P-3 Orion, and continued in the reserves until 1991. An exceptional aviator, he went on to fly for American Airlines for over 25 years following his military service.

Whether in the cockpit, in the backyard, or at the dining table working a puzzle, John brought patience and focus to everything he did. He loved tackling puzzles and rarely shied away from a challenge. Some of his happiest, quietest moments were spent in the sunroom with a cup of coffee in hand, enjoying the warmth of the light and a few peaceful minutes before the day began.

John and Rebecca created not only a beautiful life together but also a backyard oasis that reflected their creativity and hospitality. Their home was a gathering place — warm, welcoming, and always well stocked. The garage freezer was famously full of sweet treats for grandchildren, and no visit was complete without Grandpa taking them out for something sugary. He loved attending their activities and sporting events, traveling across the country to visit his children, and whispering in each grandchild’s ear, “Scooby Doobie Doo, Grandpa loves you.”

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Rebecca, and their six children:
Benjamin Aune (Lindsey) of Celina, TX;
Elisabeth Blank (Tommy) of Austin, TX;
Nathanial Aune (Laura) of Cavalier, ND;
Rachel Lahr (Robert) of Pensacola, FL;
Sonja Aune (Alex Alvarez) of Houston, TX;
Nicklas Aune (Sabrina Martinez) of Fort Worth, TX.

He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Anderson, Adaline, Braham, Bruce, Beau, Claire, Nora, Margo, Luella (“LuLu”), and Walter.

John is also survived by his siblings: Eric Aune (Judy) of Norwood Young America, MN; Becky Aune of Minneapolis, MN; Kathy Wade (Jim) of Grand Forks, ND; Caroline Lindstrom (Virgil) of Cambridge, MN; and Daniel Aune (Kim) of St. Louis Park, MN.

John had a calm demeanor that immediately put people at ease. He possessed a quick wit and an unforgettable sense of humor — occasionally delighting in well-timed bathroom humor — and he could keep a room laughing without ever drawing attention to himself. He was a faithful friend, a gracious host, and a man with a true servant’s heart.

Most importantly, John was a man of deep and abiding faith. He viewed the world through a spiritual lens and worked hard to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He loved serving his church and his church family, offering his time, talents, and steady presence in ways that quietly shaped countless lives.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal brother, faithful friend, gifted musician, talented athlete, skilled pilot, master fixer, puzzle solver, and a man who loved deeply and laughed often.

Services will be held at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Hurst, Texas, on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 PM. He will be interred at Fort Snelling National Military Cemetery in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, where he will be reunited with his beloved parents, Herman and Jerrie Aune.

In honor of John, pie and coffee will be served following the service — because he loved his pie and coffee, and he would want everyone to stay awhile.

Though he will be profoundly missed, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that we will see him again.