I have a question concerning the VACATION setting on our gas water heater. If the control is positioned in the VACATION setting, will the hot water heater still keep the water minimally warm or does it shutdown? I am referring to a long period 6-8 months during the midwest winter months.

The vacation mode keeps the water minimually warm and allso keeps condensation from forming in the exhaust. You should also shut off your water main service, lower you heat to 50 degrees and drain the water from the pipes inside the home. If you do not have a monitoring system like a wifi thermostat you should also add RV antifreeze to your toilets, tanks and sink drains and tub