Richard Edwin Aeikens was born on September 9, 1930, in Montevideo, MN to Fred M. and Ruth (Knight) Aeikens. He grew up on a farm by Raymond. Richard attended country school, District 70 in Rhiederland Township through 8th grade. He rode his horse to and from school.
On May 2, 1951, Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Verna Essendrup. They made their home on the family farm by Raymond. They celebrated the birth of three daughters; Harriet, Judy and Rosemary.
Richard was a member of the Raymond Whiskers Club, Raymond Sportsman Club and most recently on the Care Center Food Council. He enjoyed farming, carpentry work and being a fur skinner for the Burns Fur Company.
Richard was never one to sit idle. He loved to be in his garden, sewing quilts, woodworking, deer hunting, playing cards, singing, dancing, helping Verna can garden vegetables and most of all spending time with his family and friends.
Richard’s caring, giving and selfless nature touched many lives. He always had time to talk and listen to anyone. After a tough battle, Richard joined his heavenly family on May 2, 2018, his and Verna’s 67th wedding anniversary!
Richard is survived by his wife, Verna of Clara City; daughters, Judy (Dave) Steffen of Raymond, Rosemary (Tom) Berghuis of Raymond; son-in-law, LeRoy Muller of LaPorte; grandchildren, Jeff (Julie) Muller of LaPorte, Aimee (Josh) Hilbrands of Redfield, SD, Craig (Crystal) Steffen of Raymond, Kayla (David) Kimpling of Clara City, Stacy (Justin) Wachsmuth of Willmar, Nicole Crowe (special friend, Tim) of Raymond, Abby (Tyler) Hermanson of Boyd; great grandchildren, Tammy (Matt) Nichols, Peyton, Hailee and Harper Hilbrands, Brynn and Nolan Wachsmuth, Paige and Jax Steffen, MaKenna and Mason Crowe, Landon and Ellie Kimpling; sister, Lydia Hoogeveen of Willmar; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Ervin & Alice Essendrup of Willmar, Lorraine Bohlsen of Willmar, Ray & Eileen Essendrup of Hamel, Bonnie Hanson of Willmar, Arlene Beers of Hopkins, Colleen Newland of Hopkins, Margaret Essendrup of Clara City, Joan Aeikens of California.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ruth Aeikens; father and mother-in-law, Ray and Pearl Essendrup; daughter, Harriet Muller; grandson, Steven Muller; brothers, Matt (JoHanna) Aeikens, George Aeikens; brother and sister-in-laws, Harry Hoogeveen, Jerry Essendrup, Jimmy Essendrup, Adeline and Lammert Steffens, Bob and Dorothy Fransen, Art Bohlsen, Dale Hanson, Barney Beers, Jack Newland, Marlin and Juanita Essendrup.