Aalfs, Richard K. 1927-2004

AALFS, BODEN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/13/2007 at 11:11:20

Richard K. Aalfs

AKRON, Iowa -- Richard K. Aalfs, 77, of Akron passed away Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004, at Akron Care Center.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Akron, with Monsignor Richard Zenk officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Albert D. Hoschler Post 186 of Akron. Visitation with the family present will be 4 to 5 p.m. today, with a parish rosary at 4:30 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, all at the church. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Carlsen Funeral Home-Schroeder Chapel in Akron.

Richard K. Aalfs was born Nov. 25, 1927, on the family farm across the river from Akron, S.D., the son of Clarence and Ida (Boden) Aalfs. He attended school in Akron and graduated from Akron High School in 1945. He volunteered for the U.S. Army, where he served his country in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1948.

After returning to the states, he attended college at Morningside College in Sioux City, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in June 1952. He was listed on the Who's Who of American Colleges and Universities. Following his schooling, he worked for various businesses in the Midwest before moving to California. He went to work for N.M.B. Corporation, where he worked his way through the company and became the chief executive officer. He retired from the company after 22 years of service, where he was responsible for its dramatic growth.

Following his retirement, he did consulting work for N.M.B. In 1993, he moved back to Akron, where he took up his lifelong interest of farming, something he did for many years. He was also involved with many economic and civic affairs in Akron.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the Alpha Tau Delta Fraternity. He enjoyed having coffee with friends at Akron Jo's Cafe.

Survivors include his nieces and nephews, Brent Aalfs and his wife, Nancy of California, Dennis Aalfs and his wife, Arline of North Carolina, Dan Aalfs and his wife, Rebecca of California, Phylleen and her husband, Ray Jackson of Maui, Hawaii, Lynda Aalfs and her husband, Mike Howey of Florida, Mark Barbolak and his wife, Nicole of California, and Vicki Barbolak of California; a stepson, Jim Aalfs of California; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, great-great-grandnieces and great-great-grandnephews; and a special friend who the family wishes to thank for his care and concern, Wayne Brown of Akron.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wayne and Phil; and a sister, Margene.