ROGER BAKKEN

ROGER BAKKEN Roger M. Bakken passed away peacefully at Griggs County Care Center, Cooperstown, ND on Monday November 6, 2017 after a battle with cancer. Roger was born on February 16, 1929 in Forman ND, the son of Barney and Amanda Bakken. Roger lived in Gwinner, ND until the age of 13. He moved with his family to Cooperstown, ND when his father purchased the Coast to Coast hardware store. Roger graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1947. He attended college at Wahpeton State School of Science for Appliance Repair. Roger enjoyed many years of working with his Dad at the store. On August 29, 1948, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Grace Myrleen (Nissy) Kramvick. In 1963, Roger and Nissy purchased the Coast to Coast Store from his Dad Barney and wife Martha. They moved the hardware store into the old J.C Penney’s building in 1976, and thoroughly enjoyed working in the store and helping his friends and family until he retired in 2001. Roger and Nissy were blessed with 69 wonderful years together. On August 21, 1956 their oldest son, Daniel Lee was born, followed by David Alan on Sept. 1, 1958. Throughout his life, Roger was a very involved Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and community leader. He served in many civic leadership positions, including the City Council, Commercial Club, Municipal Board, Hospital Foundation Board, Golf Course Board and Boy Scout Council Member. He was a member of the Elks, Sons of Norway, Masons and Shrine. In his last years, Roger was very proud to be the President of the Senior Center and took pride in still being able to do all of the repairs needed at the Center. Roger and Nissy were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church. One of Roger’s greatest joys was watching his great-grandchildren, Ryan and Jayden Johnson perform and sing. One of Roger’s favorite things in life was to travel with his wife, Nissy. For years they enjoyed trips with Coast to Coast friends to annual conventions and winter trips to visiting family and friends in Arizona, Texas and Florida. After Dave and Libby moved to Florida in 1989, Roger and Nissy spent 14 winters in Venice, enjoying time with their grand-children Ally and Matt. Roger loved nothing more that boating with his brother, Lou or Dave and Libby, enjoying the beautiful SW Florida Intracoastal Waterway. During the summer months in North Dakota, you could find Roger enjoying golf outings with his buddies. They enjoyed playing many of the courses throughout ND. He was fortunate enough, during his golfing career, to experience a Hole in One! You can still find the scorecard on the back of the Plaque as proof! Roger is survived by his wife, Nissy; son Danny (Robin) Bakken, Cooperstown, ND; Granddaughter Randi (Nate) Johnson, Cooperstown, ND; great-grandchildren Ryan and Jayden Johnson; son David (Libby) Bakken, Mandan ND; grandchildren Ally and Matt Bakken; Sister, Shirley Kleingartner, Algona IA; and Sister-in-law, Marj Bakken, Venice, Fl. Roger was preceded in death by his parents Barney and Amanda Bakken; Sister, Evelyn Moody; and Brother, O. Louis “Lou” Bakken. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, November 13 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND. A reception will follow at the church. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, The Cooperstown Medical Center Foundation, or the Cooperstown Country Club. Arrangements are with the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home, www.quamplaistedcushman.com