Obituary of Willis Dale Bakken

Willis Dale Bakken, age 83, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at The Glen in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Willis was born in Zumbrota, Minnesota on June 24, 1931, the son of Torlief and Ferolyne (Wobschall) Bakken. Willis served his country in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1951 until 1954. He worked as a brick layer for over 50 as a member of Brick Layers Union Local #21, and retired in 1992. Willis and his wife Beverly had five children and later divorced. Willis met Constance "Connie" Transue and spent many years together until her passing in 2005. Willis was an avid hunter all his life, and was a conservation enthusiast as a member of Ducks Unlimited, the North American Hunting Club, an Endowment member of the NRA, and served as the Vice President of the Jefferson County Pheasants Forever. Surviving are: His Children: Steven (Carol) Bakken, Lake Mills, WI, Susan Schloesser, Jefferson, WI, Craig Bakken, Lake Mills, WI, Matthew Bakken, Fort Atkinson, WI, and Lynne (Mike) Rhoe, Monroe, WI, 12 Grandchildren and 2 Great-grandchildren, Siblings: Neal (Sue) Bakken, Cambridge, WI, Loretta (Lyle) Lexbold, MN, Cynthia Bakken, St. Louis, MO, and Anita Bakken, Fort Atkinson, WI. He is further survived by nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. Willis was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Nitardy Funeral Homes Chapel, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI with Rev. Paul Scharrer officiating. Visitation will be from 1-2PM on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the funeral home until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.