Harley D. Aukes

HARLEY DAVID AUKES was born to Harvey and Alice (Dunn) Aukes on September 18, 1945 at the Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne, Minnesota. He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Steen, Minnesota. He affirmed this baptism in the summer of 2013. Harley was raised on various farms in the Steen area. In 1963, he graduated from Hills High School in Hills, Minnesota. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States National Guard. He continued his service until 1969. Harley started farming independently in 1966 and purchased the farmland in 1975. He was united in marriage to Marlene Niessink on February 24, 1967 at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. The couple made their home on the farm near Steen where they raised their three children, Ginger, Mark and Holly. Along with farming, he held various trucking jobs throughout the years. On December 21, 2012, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As he courageously battled the disease, he continued to actively farm with his son, Mark, and was out planting this spring. On May 23, 2014, he went to be with his Lord at the age of 68 years, 8 months and 5 days.

Harley attended the First Assembly of God Church in Luverne. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and camping. Harley loved spending time with his family and especially took pleasure in his grandchildren.

Harley will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marlene; three children, Ginger Schomacker and her husband Bryce of Luverne, Mark Aukes and his wife Mary of Luverne, and Holly Tchida and her husband Bryant of Chanhassen, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Marissa Mongold, Jason Schomacker, Jake Aukes, Mariah Aukes, Mitchell Schomacker, Kurt Schomacker, Alison Tchida, Christopher Tchida, and Kathryn Tchida; one great-grandchild, Erin Mongold; three siblings, Martha Bertelsen of Chadron, NE, Larona Elbers of Steen, and Harriet (Dennis) Manning of Des Moines, IA; and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Brian Manning; son-in-law, Ron Marr; and brothers-in-law, Gary Bertelsen and James Elbers.

Memorials are preferred to the Union Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls, South Dakota or to the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne.