Donald Thorvald Bakken

Donald Bakken passed away on October 14 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, his home for the past 10 years. He was attended in death by his son, Paul Bakken. Don was born to T.M. and Edith Bakken on July 16, 1930 in Fosston, MN. Growing up he was fondly referred to as “Dude” at Fosston High School where he lettered in football and basketball before graduating. Having served his country as a staff sergeant in the Korean War where he was awarded the United States Bronze Star Medal and the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze stars, he attended Bemidji State University on the G.I. Bill.

Donald was united in marriage September 12, 1953 to Louise Phyllis Larson. He chose public education as his lifelong career, first as an English teacher at Penn Junior High and subsequently as a high school guidance counselor at Kennedy High School in Bloomington, MN where he spent most of his life. In 2002 Don & Louise purchased a hobby ranch on 10 acres complete with horse stables and a log home in Credit River Township, MN.

Don was an avid walker and spent his retirement years taking photos, riding horses, reading, and writing a novella “The Pontoon Bridge” about his experiences in the Korean War. He lovingly encouraged others to continue reading and learning throughout their lives.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife Louise, daughter Joni, grandson Robert Schuman, brothers Keith and Richard, sister Dorothymae LePier, and his parents.

He will be fondly remembered by daughters Vicki (Gary) Bakker and Deborah (Kurt) Schuman; sons Craig (Karen) and Paul; grandchildren Paul (Hilary), David (Holly), Joel (Nikki), Matthew (Liz), Luke (Amber) Bakker; Amy (Joel) Miller, Beth (Ryan) Johnson, Laura (Robb) Murphy; Daniel (Nikki), Andrew Bakken and Katherine (Brandon) Adams; and great-grandchildren Owen, Emma, Hadley, Jon, Henrik, Quinn, Geno, Eli, Mason, Lexi, Noah, Alivia, Layla, William, Carter, Willow & Scout; and many other relatives and friends.

Burial will take place at Hope Cemetery Fosston, MN on July 11, 2025. His ashes will be interred next to the love of his life, Louise.