Rudy Eugene Bakken

Rudy E. Bakken, 64, of Rochester, died July 27, 2010 at his home in Rochester.Rudy Eugene Bakken was born May 1, 1946 in Rochester, MN to Odien and Lorraine (Hetzel) Bakken. He worked at a turkey farm during high school. From 1968 to 1970, he served active duty in the U.S. Army, mostly overseas and Europe. He served from 1970 to 1974 in the army reserves and received the National Defense Service Medal as sharpshooter M14. In 1976, he married Karen Moger and they later divorced. On October 1, 2004, he married Berna Smith in Appleton, MN and they made their home in Marion, MN. Rudy was a laborer for Palmer Soderberg and worked on many Rochester landmarks including Rochester Methodist Hospital, Mayo Clinic Gonda Building and bridges on Silver Lake. He retired on July 1, 2007 after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. He was a member of the National Rifleman Association, the American Legion, The North American Hunting Club, Local 405, and the North American Fishing Club. Rudy enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, boating, working on many home projects, and visiting with family. Rudy is survived by his wife, Berna, of Rochester; three sisters, Sharon Town of Stewartville, MN, Lois Grangaard of Rochester, MN and Marilyn (John) Newell of Eyota, MN; five brothers, Larry (Virginia) Bakken of Rochester, MN, Herb (Deb) Bakken of Phoenix, AZ, Steve (Bev) Bakken of Rochester, MN, Richard (Jackie) Bakken of King George, Virginia, and Dale Bakken of Stewartville, MN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Dan Bakken, and one sister, Linda Eversman. A visitation will be held on from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Sunday, August 1st at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. A funeral service will be held on 10:30 AM August 2nd at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, 2810 40th Avenue S.E. Rochester, MN.Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com