Randall "Randy" Bakken

Randall A. Bakken (Randy) passed away peacefully on his 93rd birthday, January 23, 2017 at Rosewood on Broadway in North Fargo. A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church-North Campus, Tuesday, January 31 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Randy was born to Adolph and Clara Bakken on January 23, 1924. Randy grew up and graduated high school in Kathryn, ND. He then joined the US Army Quartermaster Corps from 1941-1946 where he was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA and Fort Warren, WY. His Army services led him overseas during World War II for thirty months to Australia, New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, Philippines, and Japan (where he earned two battle stars). Randy graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He was a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity member.

Randy worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Fargo from 1950 – 1957. He spent the remainder of his work career at Northern States Power Company in Fargo, ND from 1957 – 1988, where he worked as the Administrator of Government Affairs.

Randy married the love of his life, Marlene Greenwood, in 1957. Randy was an amazing father to their two sons, Scott and Todd. Randy was an avid golfer and a fierce card player. Randy was the President of the Fargo Chamber Aides and Fargo Ambassadors in 1969 and 1984, active on the Public Relations and Agriculture Committees, a member of the Fargo Cosmopolitan Club (President 1966), member of the Moorhead Rotary Club (President 1980), board member of the Fargo Moorhead Home Builders Association, chairman of the Home Builders Home Show and Home Builders Parade of Homes, member of the United Way of Cass-Clay, Board of Directors – Officer on the Executive Board – Assistant Treasurer (6 years), Executive Board Secretary (6 Years), and member of the Special Assessment Commission, City of Fargo, 1967-2008, and an American Legion member.

Randy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marlene; sons, Scott (Marlene) and Todd (Brenda); grandchildren, Keely, Courtney, Tori and Chad as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.