Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
31 Minnesota Ave. So
Aitkin, Minnesota
Kenneth Hakes Obituary
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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Hakes
Sponsored by Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Hakes's name
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Hakes
Funeral services provided by:
Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin31 Minnesota Ave. So, Aitkin, MN 56431-1694
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Hakes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
