John Arthur Aukes, 94, Luverne, died Saturday Feb. 9, 2002, at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne.
A private family service was Wednesday, Feb. 13, with the Rev. Paul Fries officiating. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.
John Aukes was born to Dirk "Dick" and Laura (Winkelwitsch) Aukes on Oct. 13, 1907, on the family farm in Rock County near Steen where he was raised and attended country school. Following his education he worked on the family farm.
He married Frances Thompson on March 20, 1940, in her parents' home near Hills. They made their home on a farm southeast of Hardwick where they farmed until they retired in 1975. They moved to Luverne. Mrs. Aukes died on May 24, 1994. He moved to Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center on Sept. 29, 2000.
Mr. Aukes was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. He was a lifelong member of Minnesota Farmers Union and also a member of the Minnesota DFL party. He enjoyed his dogs, Sparky and Cindy. He also enjoyed milking cows and fishing.
Survivors include his four children and their spouses, Eileen (John) Massey, Paul (Darla) Aukes and Wayne Aukes, all of Luverne, and Gary (Mavis) Aukes, Beaver Creek; four grandchildren, Jane Aukes, Edina, Melissa Aukes, San Diego, Calif., B.J. Aukes, Luverne, and Shannon Maday, Groton, Conn.; one stepgrandson, Martell Massey, Hot Springs, Ark.; one brother, Orrin (Bernice) Aukes, Steen; four sisters, Laura (Fred) Paulsen, Hills, Lillian (Walter) Ausen, Ruthton, Verla Baker, Ash Creek, and Vera (Conrad) Rozeboom, Murdock; and nieces and nephews.
Mr. Aukes was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Frances, one sister, Mary Vis, and three brothers, Dick, Harvey and Lloyd Aukes.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.