Kenneth Robert Hakes, 89, peacefully passed away the morning of April 27, 2025 in the Aicota Health Care Center.

Ken was born September 7, 1935 in Springfield, MN. as the second of five sons to Kenneth Reginald Hakes and Merry Delight (Welton) Hakes. In high school he spotted Shirley Weltsch, a recent transfer student from Mankato. A movie, cherry coke and banana split later, the two, whose nicknames were Peewee and Liz, began a love that lasts today. After high school Ken earned a degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of Minnesota. The two married in 1955 and moved to Austin, Minnesota as Ken began a long career in the meat industry.  Ken’s work took the family from Austin, Minnesota to Orange, California, back to Austin then Fremont, Nebraska; Houston, Texas; Webster City, Iowa; and Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Trips to Aitkin and the surrounding areas were a constant in Ken’s life. As a youngster he enjoyed many long family vacations to Stark Lake and visits with extended family in the area. Later, his own family shared his love of cabin life on Spirit Lake. Ken and Shirley retired on the lake and enjoyed many happy years there. They moved to Aicota Assisted Living in 2019.  While most recently a member of First Lutheran Church in Aitkin, he was raised in the Methodist faith and was active the majority of his life in the Methodist Church. 

In addition to his wife, Shirley M. (Weltsch) Hakes, he is survived by his children: Sherri Hakes (Paul Bowers), Dave (Mary) Hakes, and Sandi (Darren) Gall; his eight grandchildren: Sara Palmitessa, Joey (Jenn) Palmitessa, Betsye (Brian) Eagle, Anne (Kyle) Kirchberg, Charlie Hakes, Brian (Wendy) Stastny, Nathan (Alison) Stastny, Christian (Olivia) Stastny. He was also a proud great grandpa to seven great-grandchildren:  Kaylee, Payton and Ryder Palmitessa; Elsa and Norah Eagle; and Odin and Iselyn Kirchberg. Ken’s life is also being celebrated by brothers Bill (Carla) Hakes, Jim (Barb) Hakes, many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Herbert and Richard.

A Celebration of Life will be 2pm – Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the First Lutheran Church in Aitkin with a visitation beginning at 1pm and refreshments following the service.

To view live or the recorded service, go to www.youtube.com/@FirstLutheranChurchofAitkin

Memorial donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church Men’s Breakfast Group and Bible Study.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  to leave a message of condolence go to www.srtfuneral.com