Gene Erks, 91, of Akron, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Akron Care Center in Akron, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. Private family interment with military honors provided by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron will be at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery – Preston Township, rural Akron, Iowa. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Gene William Erks, the son of John and Mathilda 'Tillie' (Schmidt) Erks, was born on December 17, 1933, in Plymouth County, Iowa. He grew up in Preston Township where he attended country school. He attended high school in Le Mars and later in Akron.

He was drafted into the United States Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, California. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Akron area to farm.

He was united in marriage to Kathleen Rozell on August 21, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron. They lived in Akron until 1968, when they moved to the family farm. Gene farmed and raised livestock for many years. Although they moved back to Akron in 2006, his love and dedication to the family farm never ended and he continued to be involved and help his son on the farm. Kathleen passed away on August 16, 2017. Gene continued to make his home in Akron.

He enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends, attending rodeos, reading about farming, and learning about the history of the Old West. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church – Preston Township.

Survivors include his two children: Monte Erks of Akron, Iowa, and Kristen (Dan) Betts of Tampa, Florida; and a grandson, Alexander Betts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Tillie Erks; his wife, Kathleen Erks; and a brother, Dwayne Erks.