Norma L. Bakken

Norma was born July 19, 1927, to Oscar W. and Martha Severtson Olson in rural Hawley, MN. She grew up on the family farm near Hawley, attended rural country school district 16 and later graduated from Hawley High School in 1945. Norma was baptized, confirmed and married at Solem Lutheran Church near Hawley. On July 20, 1947, she married James E. Bakken. Together they made their home in Moorhead and started a family. She worked at the Fargo Forum for three years before starting at Surplus Tractor/All Parts International in Fargo. She was the office manager there from 1957 to 2001. Norma's two greatest joys in life were her work and her family. She was a kind, loving person with a great sense of humor. She made her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel special. She enjoyed playing her favorite dice game with anyone who had time to play. She will be missed by all.Norma is survived by son, Paul Carolyn Bakken of Folsom, CA; daughters, Paulette Richard Opatril of Hitterdal, MN, and Patricia Tim Larson of Harwood, ND; grandchildren, Nicki Steve Ulrich, Jarid Amie Thorson, Christy Corey Johnson, Rebecca Jeff Bentley, Rachel Jacob Anderson, Jeff Jolie Bakken, Renne John Nysetvold, Ryan Opatril, Greg Ashley Bakken; great-grandchildren, Austin Ulrich, Tyler, Alyssa and Brandt Thorson, Tyler Nysveen, Madison, Lexi and Brooklyn Johnson, Emma, Cole and Cade Bentley and Aubrey Anderson. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Grace Olson and Fernette Olson; and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, James E.; parents, Oscar W. and Martha Olson; brothers, Edwin C., Lawrence, Maurice and Clifford.