Gladys Bakken, 95, was welcomed into Heaven on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Oak Ridge Lutheran Church in rural Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Rena Peterson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in rural Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Wednesday at the church.

Gladys E. Bakken was born on July 26, 1915 in Sanders Township, the eleventh child of Mons and Helga (Johnson) Swensons thirteen children. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and attended school in St. Hilaire, MN. Gladys was always very proud of her Norwegian heritage as both of her parents were born and raised there.

Gladys always had a giving and caring attitude. Following high school, she took that attitude with her, spending time with her sisters with their growing families and then moved to Montana where she cared for invalid sister, Hannah. After Hannah died, Gladys moved back to Thief River Falls and worked at The Fountain as a pastry cook. Shortly after the war ended, Gladys met Melvin Bakken. The two fell in love and were married on October 8, 1946.

Gladys and Melvin settled on a farm west of Thief River Falls and were blessed with three boys and three girls. She always said that her family was made to order , as she was very blessed to have her children in a consecutive boy/girl order. Gladys and Melvin proudly named all of their children with the initials MGB (Melvin and Gladys). She enjoyed working at the hospital and at Land O Lakes while raising her family.

Throughout her life Gladys was a proud member of, and very active at Oak Ridge Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School, a member of the Ladies Aid, and attending Bible study.

In December of 1996, Melvin passed away. Gladys continued to live on their farm until she was no longer able. She then moved to Midway nursing home in Fosston, MN, and eventually to Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls.

Gladys loved being surrounded by her family, they were most important to her. Taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were some of her favorite times. Gladys lived each day with a positive attitude and the belief that everything came from God. Her hobbies included baking for her family, gardening, reading the Bible, caring for her animal friends, and her love of nature. She loved to sing, listen to Christian radio, and played piano from memory. Gladys loved to cook and bake, rarely using a recipe.

Gladys lived a long, full life and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her children, Melville G. (Marlys) Bakken of Thief River Falls, MN, Marilyn G. (Gary) Smalley of Torrence, CA, Marvin G. Bakken of Thief River Falls, MN, Melitte G. Bakken of Thief River Falls, MN, Milton G. Bakken of Thief River Falls, MN, Myrna G. Bakken/Dyrdal of Crookston, MN; grandchildren, Tammy (LeRoy) Mattern, Angie (James) Poole, Melanie (Rollie) Burger, Wendy Bakken, Lori (Tim) Bland, Kathy (Fernando) Bucci, Ryan (Jamie) Bakken, Rob (Tanya) Bakken, Kevin (Lexie) Bakken, Chad Bakken, Becky (Jason) May, Melissa (Tim) Nelson, Brent (Sarah) Dyrdal, and Tony (Liz) Dyrdal; 31 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Christine Newton of Eagan, MN, and Merilla Swenson of Thief River Falls, MN and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; 5 brothers and 7 sisters; grandchildren, Jason and Jamie Dyrdal and daughter-in-law, Marlys Bakken.

ACCOMPANIST: Joyce Halbasch
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: "Bringing in the Sheaves", "Jesus Loves Me", "The Old Rugged Cross", "Blessed Assurance" & "How Great Thou Art"
CASKETBEARERS: Gladyss sons, son-in-law and grandsons
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: All of Gladyss grandchildren and great-grandchildren