Akerson, Galen Wendell, 76, of Madawaska Lake, at Bangor, on October 29, 2010. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., November 4, from the chapel of the funeral home. Arrangements are in the care of the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
Madawaska Lake – Galen Wendell Akerson, 76, cherished husband and father, died peacefully October 29, 2010, at Bangor following a period of declining health. He was born in Perham June 16, 1934, the son of the late John and Myrtle (Hughes) Akerson.
Galen proudly served his country as a member of the US Army from 1955-1957. He married Joyce (Dubey) Akerson in 1957 and together they remained devoted to one another, raising a loving family. Galen was a self-employed, heavy-equipment operator and short-haul driver for many years, working in the forests of Maine. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors. Galen also worked as a long-haul truck driver, venturing to new places and exploring the open road. While he greatly appreciated the opportunities to see new landscapes, he always loved coming home.
Having resided at Madawaska Lake for over 30 years, Galen enjoyed the natural beauty of Aroostook County. He enjoyed walking, riding his motorcycle, and four wheeler, and taking in the views of the lake. Galen was also an aviator and spent time flying his own airplane. He was especially known for his love of dancing and could often be found “cutting a rug” on many Saturday nights. He was a member of the Henry B Pratt Post 15 American Legion as well as the American Legion Riders.
In recent years Galen enjoyed spending winters in Florida with his wife, appreciating the warmth and walking the beaches. Above all Galen enjoyed watching his family grow and flourish and was always proud of them.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Joyce of Madawaska Lake, are his children; Deborah Akerson of Webster, MA, Chuck Akerson of Clarksville, TN, Cheryl Smith and her husband Kevin of Ballston Spa, NY and Connie Bondeson of Madawaska Lake; two brothers: John Akerson and his wife Elaine of Caribou and Hugh Akerson and his wife Norma of Woodland; four sisters: Maxine Cote of Palm Harbor, Fl., Marilyn Olmstead of Wolcott, Ct., Natalie Riggs of Anderson, Indiana and Kathleen Gallagher of Caribou; five grandchildren, Brad Akerson, C.J. Akerson, Kyle and Lindsey Smith and Gunnar Bondeson; a great-grandson, Jeffrey Akerson, and a former son-in-law, Sven Bondeson; several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, 5-8 pm Wednesday. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 4, 2010, from the chapel of the Mockler Funeral Home with
Fr. Aaron Damboise, officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the New Sweden Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Akerson may do so through the Caribou Recreation Dept. Wellness Center 55 Bennett Dr., Caribou, Maine 04736. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
