Ronald Aken

Ronald Lincoln Aken was born September 24, 1922, to Bennett and Celeste Aken in Phoenix, AZ. He attended Longview Elementary and North Phoenix High School. At the age of sixteen Ronald joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Prescott, AZ. In 1942 he volunteered in the Army Air Corps and became an aircraft mechanic. Ronald served in the European Theatre of Operations during WWII, including North Africa and Italy where he earned five battle stars. Ronald was called to service again during the Korean conflict from 1950-1953. He remained in the Air Force Reserves until returning to active duty in 1958. In 1958 he graduated from the Strategic Air Command Non-commissioned Officers Academy. Ronald retired in 1973 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Sgt. Aken earned numerous military service medals and ribbons. Following retirement from the Air Force Ron worked in various capacities, most recently picking asparagus at Bielke Farms in Carlos, MN from 1993 to 2001. On November 4, 1950, Ron married Jean Defenbaugh in Phoenix. The couple was blessed with four children. Following Jean?s death in 2002 Ronald was married to Bonnie Bearson in 2003 in Alexandria, MN. Ron was a member of the Alexandria Covenant Church of Alexandria and an associate member of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Arizona City, AZ where he and his wife Bonnie enjoyed winters in their mobile home. Ron was also a past member of Gideons International in Alexandria, the Retired Enlisted Association and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 87 in Alexandria. On Friday, November 12, 2010 Ron died at the age of eighty-eight years. Ron is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Alexandria; three sons, Roland of Wheatland, CA, Robert of Fargo, ND and Ronald (Carolyn) of Bear Lake, BC; one daughter, Ronna (Michael) Steffen of Aitkin, MN; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Two nieces, Susan Chambers and Terry Love and one nephew, Robin Acuff, all of Phoenix, also survive him. Preceding Ron in death was his wife, Jean; mother and father, Bennett and Celeste Aken; one sister, Charlotte Roer, and one half-sister, Gertrude Acuff, all of Phoenix. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the Alexandria Covenant Church. Reverend John LeVahn will officiate. Interment will follow in Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers include Andy Fredman, Sarah Fredman, Joshua Steffen, Elizabeth Steffen, Tyler Bearson and Brandon Bearson. Honorary casket bearers include all of the participants of the Thursday Afternoon Men?s Coffee Group. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, American Legion Post 87 and the Minnesota National Guard will accord military honors. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM Thursday at the church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.