Gunder Bakken
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at First Lutheran Church, Rugby, for Gunder M. Bakken, 97, of Rugby, who died Sunday, Dec. 20 at the Heart of America Medical Center Long Term Care.
Burial will be in Persilla Watts Cemetery in the spring.
Gunder was born Sept. 19, 1912, at home in rural Pleasant Lake, a son of Sivert and Annie (Moe) Bakken. He was raised there and received his education in a country school close to his home. He married Esther Lucke on Aug. 11, 1938, in Pleasant Lake. The couple made their home on the Bakken family farm near Pleasant Lake, where they farmed and raised their family. In 1995 they moved to Rugby, and in 2005 moved to the Haaland Estates. He had made his home at the Heart of America Medical Center Long Term Care for the past two years.
He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Rugby.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Esther, Rugby; a daughter, Mary Ann Koble, Rugby; a son, Garry, Fargo; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul; a son-in-law, Anton “Tony” Koble; and his parents.
Pastor Mike Pretzer and Pastor Sharon Baker officiated. Music was provided by Alecia Pretzer and John Duchscher, vocalists, and Pam Anderson, organist.
Casketbearers were Charles Volk, Doug Mundahl, Tim Stone, Bob Stone, Tony Koble, and Brian Koble Jordan.
Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.