Obituary of Harley A. Bakken

Harley A. Bakken, 75, of Crystal, passed away March 10, 2015 in Destin FL. He was born on Christmas Eve, 1939 in Erskine, MN. Harley served in the U.S. Army in Germany and was an accountant/auditor at General Mills for over 30 years. Harley loved to explore the world and was proud to have been in all 50 states, every Canadian Province, and many countries on four continents. Harley lived a good and full life right up until the last minute and leaves a legacy of kindness, selflessness and quite simply, just being a really great guy. He was universally loved, respected, and left a smile on the face of all he knew and met along the way. Harley's legacy and good deeds will be carried on by his wife and best friend of nearly 54 years, Marcene; children Turina Bakken (Marcia Christiansen) and Tim (Colleen) Bakken; sisters Avonne (Gordon) Stennes, Verdell (ElRay) Fertig, and Phyllis (Galen) Sele; many nieces and nephews; countless friends and his neighbors on Adair Ave. Harley was preceded in death by his parents, Helmer and Alma, and his mother-in-law Alice Danielson. In lieu of flowers, donations will be made to Harley's favorite charities. Memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association of Minnesota. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 20 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7835 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, MN. Visitation at 5 pm, service at 6 pm with reception to follow.