Arthur J. ‘Art’ Bakken

Arthur J. “Art” Bakken Jr., age 88 of Hudson WI, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Stillwater MN. Art was born September 11, 1928 in Superior WI to parents Arthur J. and Lillian (Putnam) Bakken. Art attended schools in Solon Springs, and graduated from Solon Springs High School with the Class of 1946. After high school, Art began work with the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company. In 1951, joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War. During his time in the service, Art would be united in marriage to Patricia Powers on December 22, 1951. Their union in marriage would be blessed with seven children and two generations of grandchildren.

Upon honorable discharge from the military, Art returned to work with Wisconsin Bell. He worked for over thirty-five years before retiring in 1982. Outside of work, Art enjoyed playing cards, reading, metal detecting and garage sales. He was always on the lookout for a bargain. Art relished reading, playing cards, and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends alike. Art was known for sharing stories of his many adventures and will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Art is survived by his children Mary (Chris) Pagel, Steven (Caye), Bob (Clare), Mike (Diane), Doug (Jan), and Barb Bosman-Meehan (Scott); daughter-in-law, Jody Bakken; 18 grandchildren; 15.5 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Art was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; son, Tom Bakken; daughter-in-law, Becky Bakken; his parents, Art and Lillian Bakken; 3 brothers; and 2 sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Art Bakken will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine Street in Hudson WI with Rev. Fr. John Gerritts officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church, and also from 4:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, December 28th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 11th Street S. in Hudson WI. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson WI. 715-386-3725