Roger Aukes, 85, of Buffalo Center, died Friday, June 28, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa – Mason City.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Tim Diehl and Pastor Larry Gruis officiating. Burial will be held in Olena Mound Cemetery with military honors conducted. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center.
Roger Duane Aukes was born July 18, 1938, in Buffalo Center; the son of Ted and Elsie (Koolhof) Aukes. He grew up on a farm south of Buffalo Center and graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1956. Following high school, Roger enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Alburquerque, New Mexico. He was later honorably discharged and returned to Buffalo Center.
In 1958, he was united in marriage to Iona Sachs at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakota, with whom he had three children. They shared a loving marriage until her passing in 1997.
In 2001, Roger was united in marriage to Carol Peterson, and together they blended their families.
Roger started his career as a dedicated truck driver, a profession he pursued with passion for over 30 years. In 1976, Roger purchased his beloved farm, and upon retirement, Roger and Carol made it their home where he transformed it into a hobby farm that brought him joy and fulfillment. He loved to farm and despite his busy schedule, Roger also drove truck part-time for Green Giant hauling peas and green beans.
He had a deep love for travel and adventure, exploring destinations such as Africa, Tahiti, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Florida, and California. Roger loved participating in tractor rides during parades and took great pride in driving his old Model A car. Just two years ago, he purchased a Corvette, which he cherished. Beyond his hobbies, Roger’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved their company, and often joined them in harmless mischief and adventures that brought a lot of laughter. All of his nieces and nephews would remember his many stories that started with “Have I told you about….?” And ended in hoots of laughter. In the summers, he split enough wood to heat the family home throughout the winter. Roger’s love for the outdoors extended to hunting, He especially enjoyed his hunting trips to Wyoming. Aside from outdoor activities, Roger enjoyed a good game of pool.
Roger died Friday, June 28, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center – Mason City. He was 85.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of Buffalo Center; children, Randy (Denise) Aukes of Fairmont, MN, Dale (Sheryl) Aukes of Elmore, MN, Angela (Tony) Kauch of Plymouth, MN, Chelle (Jeff) Jacobson of Oakland, MN, Forrie (Lori) Minear of Hollandale, MN, Matt (Debbie) Minear of Walters, MN; grandchildren, Brandon Aukes, Chad Aukes, Kristi Aukes, Aren (Rachel) Kauch, Megan Kauch, and Mitchell Kauch. Roger is also survived by special nieces and nephews, Terry (Patty) Aukes, Tim (Nancy) Aukes, Michelle (Chacho) Mendoza, Staci (Bill) Thompson; sisters-in-law, Donna Aukes and Delores Sachs; and numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents; first wife, Iona; siblings, Eddie and Mary Aukes, Betty and Al Heyer, Harvey Aukes, Ramona and Harvey Heyer, Kenny Aukes, and infant brother, Richard.
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