Karen Bakken

Karen Bakken, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed unexpectedly on September 9, 2024. Born on July 18, 1951, in Jamestown, ND to the late Daniel Gill and Mary (Manock) Gill. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 11 AM at Vertin Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton, ND. Pastor Rich, interim Pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Fairview Cemetery, Wahpeton. 

A graduate of Breckenridge High School in 1969, Karen continued her education by attending nursing school in Fergus Falls, MN, where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Karen met her future husband, Jerry Bakken, at Terrace Lanes and they later married on December 4, 1971. Their union was blessed with three children, Timothy, Michele, and Jodi. Together they lived in several states including Hawaii, Oklahoma, Indiana, Alaska and abroad in Germany, eventually settling back in Wahpeton with their children. 

Karen's commitment to service extended into her professional life, where she drove a school bus for 24 years. Her dedication to the community was further demonstrated by her 14 years of officiating soccer games. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen was a talented musician who sang in numerous cantatas with the St. Francis Choir and spent two years performing with the Primetime Choir in Fargo. 

In her free time, Karen spent her time reading, planting flowers, tending to her garden, and trips to the lake, where she found solace fishing and birdwatching. A woman of imagination, she found joy in coloring, constructing with Legos, and assembling complex puzzles. Above all, Karen cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren, who were the heart of her world, along with her beloved "little pips."

Karen leaves behind a loving family that includes her mother, Mary Smith; children Timothy Bakken, Michele (Michael) Graves, and Jodi Bakken; grandchildren Chelsie (Taurean Smith) Bakken, Bailey (Arwen Sheldon) Graves, Alexis Bakken, Madison (Clayton Steinbeiser) Graves, and Brady Graves; and great-grandchildren Arianna Bakken, Gabrielle, Emmet, and Cameron Smith. Her legacy will also continue through her siblings Char Spiedel, Jerry (Cynthia) Gill, David Gill; stepsiblings Virginia (Dave) Peterson, Daryl (Sue) Smith, Carol (Mike) Olson, and James (Kristi) Smith; and brothers in law John (Kathy) Bakken and Jeff (Barb) Bakken, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her spouse, Jerry Bakken; her father, Daniel Gill; her stepfather, Robert Smith; brother, James Gill; and her in-laws, Aldon and Arlene Bakken.

Eternal memory.