Funeral services for Peter Waalkens, of Hollandale, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the Hollandale Reformed Church. The Rev. William H. Hoffman will officiate. Interment will be in the Hollandale Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church.

Peter Waalkens, age 88, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2004, following a long illness.

Peter was born Oct. 20, 1915, to John and Mientje (Weibrands) Waalkens in Austinville, Iowa. He moved to Hollandale as a young child and was a resident there until moving to the Good Samaritan Home in 2000. On June 30, 1937, he was united in marriage to Rene Loverink in Hollandale. Peter was a husband, farmer, father, electrician, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He took pride in tilling the soil and providing for his family. He also made a second career as an electrician in the 1960s and took a great deal of satisfaction from his accomplishments in that field.

Peter was a member and a faithful worshipper at the Hollandale Reformed Church. He enjoyed his morning coffee time at the cafe in Hollandale and visiting with friends and family. Peter was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Many vacations with friends and family centered on his love of catching the &uot;big-one.&uot;

Survivors include sons: Peter and wife Karen Waalkens of Muskegon, Mich., and Herbert and wife Barbara Waalkens of Albert Lea; daughter, Rena Marlene Waalkens-Masyga and husband Michael Masyga of Prescott, Wis.; five grandchildren: Andrew and wife Jody Waalkens, Kristina Waalkens, Michael and wife Linda Waalkens, Renee and husband Jeffery Ferguson, and Jay Waalkens; eight great-grandchildren: Timothy Waalkens, Alisha Waalkens, Jacqueline Ferguson, Benjamin Waalkens, Taran Waalkens, Heather Waalkens, Jonathan Waalkens, and Alexander Ferguson; brother, Henry and wife Inez Waalkens of Albert Lea; and sister, Hermina Van Wilgen of Hollandale. He is also survived by sisters- and brothers-in-law: Gertie and Robert Richards, Nellie Boysen, Stella and Warren Bailey, Dorothy Droski, Jen Loverink, Everett Loverink, Garret and Lois Loverink, and Harm and Lola Loverink; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Peter was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Rene; his parents: John and Meintje (Weibrands) Waalkens; his sister, Alice and husband Henry Scheffer; and his brothers: John and wife Lydia Waalkens, and Melvin and wife Mary Waalkens. He was also preceded in death by his brother- and sisters-in-law: Tennis Van Wilgen, Matilda Waalkens, John and Ardene Loverink, Jack and Marie Loverink, Jennie and Neil Reitveld, Herbert Loverink, Haven Boysen, and Thomas Droski.

The family would like to express appreciation to the physicians, nurses, aides, and staff at the Good Samaritan Home for the wonderful care that Peter received while a resident there.

For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Hollandale Reformed Church Mission Fund would be appreciated.