Blake D. Gilkyson

Blake D. Gilkyson Blake D. Gilkyson, 81, of Viborg, formerly of Vermillion, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 at the Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg. Blake was born Nov. 30, 1926 in Wakonda, to Jack and Blanche (Rasmussen) Gilkyson. Blake graduated from Wakonda High School in 1944, and joined the Navy serving for three years. He married Ardell â�?�?Ardyâ�? Axelson on June 18, 1950 in Wakonda. He is survived by Ardy, of Viborg; three children, Rhonda (Bob) Sprecher of Viborg, Rozann Bergdale of Dewey, AZ, and Kim (Kelly) Gilkyson of Vermillion; seven grandchildren, Micah Bergdale, Joan (Jesse) Sprecher Nelson, Laura Sprecher, Jenna, Brittney, Blair and Blake Gilkyson; and two great-grandchildren, Katie and Evan; and one sister, Rosemary Rice of Lakewood, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, JoAnn Axelson; and a granddaughter Abria Bergdale. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at the First Baptist Church in Viborg, with burial following in the Union Cemetery in Wakonda. Visitation was Friday, Aug. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. with the family present at the Hansen Funeral Home in Vermillion. For online condolences and obituary please visit hansenfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials go to the â�?�?Handicap Accessible Fundâ�? at the First Baptist Church in Viborg.