H. Lorraine (Olson) Bakken, a cherished mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Albert Lea at the age of 99.

Lorraine Bakken

Lorraine was born February 5, 1925 in Freeborn County to Harry C. and Josephine (Nelson) Olson. She lived her entire life in Freeborn County. She attended grade school in the country and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1943. During her junior and senior years of high school she was employed at the Broadway Theatre. After graduating she worked at Schulz Jewelry for six years. She was also employed at El’s Fine Foods in the bakery department for nine years in her later working career. Lorraine was a homemaker and helped out on the farm doing grain hauling as well as making many meals and lunches. They farmed until 1973 when they moved to an acreage on the corner of the home farm where she lived for the rest of her life.

Lorraine married Herschel Bakken on July 2,1944. They were married 58 years before his passing. This marriage was blessed with three sons. She was baptized, confirmed and married at First Lutheran Church. Being a lifelong member, she participated in many church activities including; teaching Sunday School, a member of mission circle #13, and with her relative Mildred Bakken, they started baking lefse as a church fundraiser. Today the practice is still going on, selling about 130-150+ dozen lefse at Holidays Ahead every year. She was on the FLCW board and kitchen committee for many years.

Lorraine was active in many other clubs and organizations including being a member of the Friendly Neighbors Club, the South Broadway Homemakers Group and the Twin Lakes 500 group. Lorraine worked with the 4-H in many capacities. She was proud of managing the Livestock Producers Stand for 25 years at the Freeborn County Fair. In 1970 she chaperoned the 4-H Citizenship Short Course Trip to Washington D.C. with county agent Eldon Senske and others. In 2022, Lorraine was recognized as the oldest living 4-H member as part of the 100th year celebration of Freeborn County 4-H.

Family has always been one of the most important things in her life. She was a hard-working dedicated woman who wasn’t afraid to help out when needed.

Lorraine is survived by two children, Alan (Bonnie) and Danny (Kathy) and their families, including five grandchildren, Andrew Bakken (Jody), Amber Jensen (Jamie), Michael (special friend Amanda), Chad Bakken (Gretchen) and Corey Bakken (Dani). Twelve great grandchildren, Madison Meyer (fiancée Brad Mann), Caden and Ava Jensen, Brennan, Blaine, Brielle, and Bryant Bakken, Brianna Bakken, Brayden, Grace, Carolyn Bakken and Eloise Bakken and one great-great-grandson Bodhi Mann.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Josephine Olson, husband Herschel Bakken and son James Bakken. Two sisters Erliss Peterson, Dorothy Mae Olson and other in-laws.

Missing her will not only be her family and friends, but her furry cat companions, Susie and Toby. Blessed be her memory.

On Sunday, May 12th, a visitation will be held at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea, from 4:00-6:00 pm. A Celebration of Life for Lorraine will be held on Monday, May 13th at 10:30 at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea.