Duane Allen Bakken

Duane Allen Bakken passed away peacefully at the Elkhorn Healthcare & Rehabilitation Clancy, MT following a brief period of hospice care on November 15, 2022, he was 85 years old. His wife Rachel Bakken was at his side at the time of his passing and continues to reside at their home in Helena, MT

Duane was born February 8, 1937 in Austin, MN to Joseph and Evelyn Bakken, he had 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He and Rachel bought property in the Helena Valley in 1979 and began a gradual move from MN to MT. He was very proud of their log home built mostly by hand labor. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Bakken, son D.J.Bakken of Bemidji, MN daughter Dawn Weinert (husband Steve) of Chester MT and three grandchildren Rachel Gage (Michael) of Sand Coulee, and Wyatt Wickum and Libby Wickum, Chester, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister and his son, Daniel Bakken.

Duane was in the U.S. Marines, he was a Police officer in Austin, MN, operated a small farm/ranch in MN and then in MT, was in the civil air patrol, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and many other jobs. His passions over the years included air planes (he was an accomplished pilot), horses, and boats. He loved hunting and fishing and trail riding.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Helena with interment of ashes at Fort Harrison at 2 p.m.

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