Richard Aikins

Richard W. Aikins of Belgium, and formerly of Port Washington, Saukville, Cedarburg, West Bend and Monona, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Sheboygan Progressive Health following a medical procedure. He was 67.

Mr. Aikins was born in Madison on Sept. 26, 1951, to Carl and Arline Sefland Aikins.  He attended local schools and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1969. He went on to earn a two-year electrical engineering degree at Wisconsin School of Electronics in Madison.

Mr. Aikins golfed competitively in high school and college, as a semi-pro and worked as the assistant pro at River Oaks Country Club in Madison, his son Dan said.

It was on the golf course that Mr. Aikins met Kathryn Weyrough met.

“Both of their families were into golf,” their son said.

On Sept. 4, 1971, the couple were married at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madison.

Mr. Aikins worked in the sign industry. The couple lived in West Bend, Cedarburg and Saukville before moving to Port Washington in 1990. Each move was related to a job change, their said.

Mr. Aikins most recently worked in sales and marketing at Milwaukee Sign. He retired in 2010 and the couple moved to Belgium.

He continued to play golf regularly until failing health prevented him from going out on the course, his son said.

He continued to be a fan of the sport, watching golf on TV.

Mr. Aikins also enjoyed traveling with his wife, taking many day trips and overnight stays in Door County.

He also enjoyed playing card games such as cribbage, euchre and hearts, competing in yard games such as cornhole and washers, and spending time with his family.

“He was very caring and passionate man. He did a very good job of raising his children,” his son said.

“He took good care of us. Even as adults, he would check in at least once a week and always encourage us to move to the next step in whatever direction our lives were going. He was very encouraging.”

He was passionate about helping people grow their small businesses, especially using his experience and skills in marketing and sales, his son said.

He was an active member of New Life Church in Grafton, and was involved in the church men’s ministry.

Survivors include his wife Kate of Belgium; children Scott (Renee) of Woodbury, Minn., Mary Aikins (friend Chris Riley) of Sheboygan and son Dan of Fredonia; grandchildren Parker, Owen, Mason and Ella Aikins.; brother-in-law John (Pam) Weyrough of Monona, Iowa; and sister-in-law Barbara (Herb) Hansen of Lodi.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Julie.

A funeral service was held on Monday, Aug. 26, at the Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington. The Rev. John Timothy and the Rev. Paul Hanson presided.  

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers.