We are heartbroken to announce the death of our beloved Dennis R. Aken.  He was 58 at the time of his passing on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from a massive heart attack.

     Dennis Robert Aken was born on December 17, 1964 in Hayward, WI to Robert and Joanne (Baugh) Aken.  He went to grade school in the Couderay/Radisson/Exeland area, started high school in Winter, and then moved to Gilman High School to play football.  He graduated in 1983, attended one year of college and then moved back home to help build and run Aken’s golf course.  He and his wife Judy were married on May 17, 1986 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Radisson, WI, and have resided in Thorp for the last 36 years.  Dennis poured his life into helping people with everything from their golf swings and lost balls, their nervousness before big games, their walks that needed shoveling, their shotgun aim when pheasants got away, and their confidence in themselves when life felt like a lot.  He loved to golf, hunt deer, pheasants, grouse and turkeys, play pool, have a drink in good company, and share his passion for life through coaching.

     He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Thorp; one daughter: Nikki (Jordan) Gaffaney of Ramsey, MN; one son: Jason Aken of Thorp; three grandsons: Jase Aken, and Quinn and Bram Gaffaney; one brother: Rocky and (Debi) Aken of Stanley; one sister: Vicki Aken of Afghanistan; his mother-in-law: Denise McIntire of Thorp; and many more loving family members and friends.

     He was predeceased by his parents; one sister, Judy Aken; and his father-in-law: John A. McIntire.

     A funeral service will be held in his honor at 12pm on Saturday, January 28th at St. Bernard - St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp.  Rev. Stanislaus Michael Antony will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be: Jason Aken, Rocky Aken, Larry Sander, Michael McIntire, Nikki Gaffaney and Jordan Gaffaney.  Honorary pallbearers will be: Jase Aken, Bram Gaffaney, Quinn Gaffaney, Mike Gerber, and Josh Tiznik. Visitation will be held at the church, on Saturday, from 9am until time of service.