Carrol A. Bakken, 82, of Rushford, Minn., died on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford.
Carrol was born on December 24, 1934, in Rushford to Arthur Conrad and Bertha (Elstad) Bakken. He was raised in Rushford and graduated from Rushford High School. Carrol attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn., and received his bachelor’s degree in business from Winona State University. On November 30, 1956, he was united in marriage with Lois Weverstad in Galesville, Wis. Together they raised four daughters and were later divorced. Carrol began swinging a hammer at age three, and became a partner in Bakken Construction and Concrete in 1965, with his father, Art and brother, Amos. Carrol enjoyed being a part of the Root River Saddle Club, bowling, being a member of the Winona Bowling Association Hall of Fame, playing cards and cribbage, golfing and playing pool. Carrol was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church, Rushford Lion’s Club, of which he was President twice; Rushford Fire Department for many years, of which he had served as chief.
Carrol played an instrumental role in starting Norsquare Mall, Norsland Lefse, and Nordic Lanes in Rushford, as well as having a hand in the construction of many area buildings.
Carrol is survived by his companion of 22 years, Phyllis Hatleli of Rushford; former wife and mother to their daughters, Lois Bakken of Rushford; four daughters: Karen Pauley of Ashland, Wis.; Kathy (Bryan) Mortland of Byron, Minn.; Kristi (Dave) Nett of Rochester, Minn.; and Kay Bakken of Billings, Mont.; grandchildren: John, Tim, Neil, Cam, Lance, Katrina, Hilary and Jacob; and great-grandchildren: Oliver, Knox, Joshua, Jayanti and Madison.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Amos; and a sister, Hazel Mae.
There will be a visitation for Carrol from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017, at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford. There will be a private family service at a later date.
Leave a memory of Carrol and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.