Gary Kenneth Aken

Munising

Gary K. Aken, age 77, of Munising, was called to heaven early Tuesday morning, April 10, 2018 at the Century Oaks Assisted Living Center in Appleton, Wisconsin.  He was born in Munising, Michigan on March 11, 1941 to the late Bernard and Ruth (Eklund) Aken, Sr.  Gary grew up in Munising and graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1959.  He began working at Kimberly Clark in the labor pool in October of 1959 until he was called to service and proudly served in the U.S Army from January of 1964 until January of 1966.  After which, he returned to the mill and on July 8, 1967 Gary married Mary Jane Elya and together raised three daughters.  After ten years, they parted ways but remained close friends.  Beverly (Kidd) Baribeau stole Gary’s heart and on June 2, 1984 they wed.  They enjoyed 17 wonderful years together until her passing on November 10, 2001.  Gary was a devoted husband and lovingly took care of her until the very end.  Because Gary was a kind and loving man, he found love again with Helen Lynts of Manistique, MI.  They were together until he could no longer care for himself and was moved to Wisconsin to be near his daughters.  He was a father that loved to play and spend time with his girls and always had a comforting hug or kiss for them.  Gary truly found enjoyment when he was outdoors.  He loved to take long drives in the woods and spend time with his family at camp.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and bowling.  Gary was a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge and Pictured Rocks Golf Course.

Gary is survived by his three daughters – Annette (Brian) Zaucha of Antigo, WI, Nancy Ann Huempfner of Appleton, WI, and Katrina Kowalkowski of Appleton, WI; five grandchildren – Max, Jordan, Aaron, Bryce, and Kyra; brothers – David (Kathy) Aken of Fostoria, OH, Bernard (Phyllis) Aken, Jr. of Austin, TX, and Michael (Jan) Aken of Sandusky, OH; a niece – Nicole; and nephews – Scott, Matthew, Jason, and Andrew.    Gary was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverly, sister Karen Aken Moore, and niece Dr. Kimberly Gambarin.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Saturday afternoon, April 14, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Military honors and prayer services will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising at a later date.

**** Both Gary and Beverly Aken will buried together on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.  The American Legion and Vietnam Veteran Honor Guard will conduct military honors for Gary, and then Pastor Ann Gonyea will conclude with committal prayers.  ****