Obituary of Richard J Backen

Backen, Richard J. “DIck” A longtime resident of Coon Rapids, spent many years living in Princeton, and most recently living in Anoka, MN. He was born April 16, 1927 and passed away on March 15, 2025. A month shy of his 98th birthday. Dick was a country music fan and enjoyed gardening, going to garage sales and estate sales, and enjoyed watching cartoons. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He looked forward to reading the paper each day, he especially enjoyed the comics section. In his later years, he also looked forward to playing cards and BINGO. Dick spent his youth on a farm in Wisconsin and later moved to Minneapolis, living in what is now known as Seven Corners. He enlisted in the Army/Air Force during World War II and served until 1948. He was proud to have served. After he left the Air Force, Dick worked at many jobs, and then went to Oildyne where he worked as a machinist for many years until his retirement at age 65. Being skilled mechanically, he was asked to come back to repair older machines which he continued to do until age 70. Dick was preceded in death by his dad Hiram Backen and mom Nellie Backen along with his sons Dean Backen and Richard Jr. “JImmy” Backen. Also predeceased by sisters Elsie and Mary. Surviving Dick are his loving wife Rosemarie Backen, daughters Debbie (Darrell) Olson, Jeannie (Brent) Drapeau, Julie Craig, Tammi (Brent) Hatch, and son Dan (Nicole) Backen, and two daughters from Dick’s previous marriage Marie Johnson and Pat Bell. Dick is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. DIck will be missed greatly by all of his family and friends!