Obituaries from the week of March 16, 2005

Derek Bakken, 19

Funeral services were held today, Wednesday March 16 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Walnut Grove, MN for Derek Bakken. Rev. Bonnie Lomen officiated. Organist was Nancy Harnack with Jim Kleven as soloist.

Casket bearers were Taylor Harrington, Trent Baker, Tyler Hansen, Curt Farber, Daniel Butler, Ben Martius, Chris Munson, Jared Maas, Andy Coulter and David Schneider.

Derek Jerome Bakken was born April 22, 1985 in Coon Rapids, MN to Al (Linda) Bakken) and Jane (McGregor) Bakken. He graduated from Westbrook/Walnut Grove High School in 2003 and attended Canby Vocational Technical College for Graphic Design.

Following school he moved to Willmar and in September of 2004 he moved back to Walnut Grove. He liked to “cruise”, enjoyed cooking and eating. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and swimming.

Derek Jerome Bakken died at his home in Walnut Grove on March 12, 2005 at the age of 19 years, 10 months and 20 days.

He is survived by his parents Al (Linda) Bakken of Belgrade, Montana and Jane Bakken of Lamberton; paternal grandmother Marge Bakken of Walnut Grove and maternal grandparents Ed and Carol McGregor of Salem, SD; many aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Harry Bakken.

Burial was in St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery, with the Walnut Grove Funeral Home handling the arrangements.

Donald Davis, 79

Donald G. Davis age 79 of Walnut Grove passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at the Tracy Hospital. Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Interment was in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. The Walnut Grove Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Donald G. Davis was born June 10, 1925 in Springdale Township to Ernest and Eula Mae (Gottschalk). He attend country school district 24 near Walnut Grove.

On September 23, 1950, Don was united in marriage to Eleanor Sande at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Don served in the US Army from May until December of 1945. Don farmed his entire life. He retired from farming in 1986, but continued living on the family farm with Eleanor up until he passed away. He also worked in construction in his spare time outside of farming. Don was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the church council several times. He enjoyed woodworking, building tables and chairs amongst other things. He also enjoyed baseball and watching the Minnesota Twins, fishing, traveling and riding horses.

Donald is survived by his wife Eleanor of 54 years; children: Ronald Allen Davis & wife Sue of Cannon Falls, Debbra Jean Anderson & husband Keith of Eliot, ME; four granddaughters: Kelli Linn Davis, Shannon Sue Davis, Jessica Jo Davis & Kristie Edwards; three great grandchildren: Kayla Lynn, Robert Jr. & Donald Keith; a brother Richard Davis & wife Lucille of Walnut Grove; a sister Deloris Jenson & husband Curtis of Westbrook; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.