James Luverne Bakken

James Luverne Bakken was born on Sept. 3, 1952 in Albert Lea the son of Herschel and Helen (Lorraine) Bakken.  James was the middle child of three born to the couple.  Growing up James enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1970.  After graduation James enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard and went to basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.  He served in the Guard until 1976 when he was honorably discharged.  James married Linda Bidne in 1975 and farmed until 1986.  He was employed by Fountain Industries for 17 years.  He loved to help out on the family farm and enjoyed splitting wood, hunting deer and most of all fishing.
Survivors include his son, Michael (Jessica) Bakken, mother, Helen (Lorraine) Bakken, brothers; Alan (Bonnie) Bakken and Danny (Kathy) Bakken.  Grandchildren;  Brianna Bakken, Madison Meyer and Vance Ortegon.  Nephews;  Andrew (Jody) Bakken, Chad (Gretchen) Bakken and Corey Bakken (Dani Krogman) and niece Amber (Jamie) Jensen.
James was preceded in death by his father, Herschel Bakken, Maternal grandparents, Harry and Josie (Nelson) Olson and Paternal grandparents, Oswald and Christine Bakken.