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Richard Allen Hakes

Richard Allen Hakes (Dick) died peacefully, surrounded by family at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin, Minnesota on September 8, 2018 at the age of 79.

Dick is survived by his wife of 44 years LeeVae Hakes, children: Denise Baker (Jeff) of Grants Pass, Oregon; Jody Slinger (Randy) of Aitkin, Minnesota; and Kathy Fastener (Chris) of Aitkin, Minnesota. Three brothers: Kenneth Hakes of Aitkin, Minnesota, Bill Hakes of Aitkin, Minnesota and Jim Hakes of Deerwood, Minnesota. His pride and joy were his eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Merry Hakes and brother Herbert Hakes.

Dick was born August 1, 1939 in Springfield, Minnesota the son of Kenneth and Merry Hakes. He graduated in 1957 from the Springfield High School. That fall, he attended the University of Minnesota on a baseball scholarship for one year. He then attended the University of Minnesota at Mankato for the remaining three years, obtaining a degree in mathematics and physics. Dick married Mary Mueller on August 1, 1961. The couple welcomed two children into their home. They parted in the early 1970’s. After graduation, Dick taught one year in Fairfax, Minnesota. At the close of the first year teaching, he was offered a job in New Ulm, Minnesota. This job included being a basketball coach and an assistant baseball coach. He taught in New Ulm until his retirement in 1996.

Dick was an accomplished ball player, tennis player, and in his retirement, a pretty decent golfer. Also in his retirement, he loved to fish, play cribbage, and sing in church and in the Northern Knights quartet. A springtime hobby was helping his brothers tap trees for maple syrup. His sharp wit was enjoyed by his friends, as well as his students. He was passionate about learning and making opportunities for kids to learn. Dick was a kind, gentle man, and as a parent, he encouraged his children to pursue their goals.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10 AM at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin, Minnesota with Rev. Darrell Pedersen officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. All are welcome to come and celebrate Dick’s life. Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Riverwood Clinic and Hospital, the Aicota Health Care Center and Home Health Partners, for the kind and caring assistance they gave Dick during his illness. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to the donors’ choice.

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