Harold "Bud" F. Gayken

Harold “Bud” Frank Gayken, 86, of Britt passed away Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa with his family by his side.

At the family’s request, Funeral services for Bud Gayken will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Christian Reformed Church in Britt with Rev. Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt with a full military graveside service conducted by the Britt Ceremonial Unit. 

Visitation for Bud Gayken will be held on Monday, September 15, 2008 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Harold was born June 4, 1922 in Britt, the son of Frank and Anna (Ruscher) Gayken. He received his education in the Britt schools. Following school he joined the Army serving in World War II.

He was united in marriage to Beverly J. Batton on June 26, 1952 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. To this union five children were born.

He was one of Winnebago Industries first employees working in the Research & Development Dept. until at retiring after 24 years of employment.

He was a carpenter. Bud enjoyed woodworking, making various keepsakes for his family and friends. He also enjoyed sewing, reading a good western and especially spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always had the coffee pot going when a friend would stop by.

Bud will be sadly missed by his wife, Bev of Britt; three sons, Doug (Susie) Gayken of Britt, Mark Gayken of Ashland City, Tennessee, Todd (Dawn) Gayken of Britt; a daughter, Becky Jo Mausehund (Doyce Engh) of Kanawha; 10 grandchildren, Stacy (Tony) Babcock of Ankeny, Steven (Christina) Gayken of Garner, Joshua and Matthew Gayken of Ashland City, Tennessee, Rachel Gayken of Mason City and Nathanial Gayken of Osage, Jason (Sara) Gayken of Garner, Terry (Tracy) Gayken of Britt, Tony Gayken of Britt, Keaton Gayken of Britt; and 8 ½ great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Blondie (Christie) Peterson of Goodell; 2 sisters-in-law, Cora Batton of Britt and Donna Batton of Owatonna, Minnesota and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce; grandson, Ryan Mausehund; his parents, a brother, Lester Gayken, and 2 sisters, Blanche Gill and Verna Brown.