Dale Aykens

Dale ?Ole? Aykens, age 81, of Brainerd died Tuesday, February 4, 2003 at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Dale LeRoy Aykens was born February 25, 1921 in Dexter, Iowa to Altman and Birdie (Worster) Aykens. As a young child, his family moved to Wadena and then Brainerd. He grew up and attended school in Brainerd. He became employed at Potlatch. During WWII he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in India as a mechanic. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Brainerd and his job at Potlatch. He was married to Betty Hall, and was later widowed in 1965. He married Beverly Peterson on May 29, 1967, in Brainerd. He retired from Potlatch as a machine operator after more than 43 years of service. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Brainerd. He also belonged to the American Legion, the Quarter Century Club, and the Potlatch Retirees. He kept busy and enjoyed fishing (especially for sunnies), playing cards, and woodworking.
Dale is survived by his wife Beverly; three daughters Saundra (Gilbert) Swearingen, Wendy (Thomas) Brown, and Denise (Wendell) Anderson, all of Brainerd; two sons Michael (Becky) Holmes of Lake Park, IA and Dale (Anita) of Fulda; 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. His parents, his first wife, 2 brothers Donald and Wilford, a sister Helen Kyar, 2 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be Friday, February 7, 11:00 AM, at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, with Reverend Andrew Smith officiating. Friends may visit on Thursday, February 6, 5-7:00 PM at Brenny Funeral Chapel and one hour before the service on Friday. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, with the Brainerd American Legion providing military honors. Arrangements are by Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.

Submitted by: Brenny Funeral Chapel 218.828.5051