Dale Bakken, 74, of West Fargo, ND, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2025, in Fargo, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love for adventure, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Dale Allen Bakken was born August 8th, 1950, in Fosston, Minnesota. Dale was the son of Lowell and Ruby (Olson) Bakken. He grew up in Crookston and attended McKinley Elementary and Central High School, where he graduated in 1968. He served his country with honor as a member of the Army, a point of pride in his life’s journey. He was discharged from the Army in 1975.
After leaving the army Dale went to tech school for civil engineering. Not long after that he went to work at Hogenson Construction where he cribbed wood elevators. With his degree, he then went on to draft and design wood elevators and slip form concrete elevators. He would eventually own and operate Hogenson Construction. He dedicated many years to operating his business and took pride in his work. Many of his customers became lifelong friends of his, even into retirement. He retired in the fall of 2015.
Dale was united in marriage to Josephine Bakken in June 1977. Together, they moved to Fargo, where he spent the majority of his life. They raised their two children, Jonathan and Elizabeth.
Dale was an active member of the tennis community for many years. Dale loved to spend time traveling with friends and family over the years, with trips to Mexico, Uruguay, and the Caribbean. Dale was a lover of the outdoors. He spent time a lot of time at “the shack” where he enjoyed hunting, working on deer stands, and riding ATVs. For a long time, every June he would go to Nungesser Lake in Canada to fish for walleyes and northern with his friends and family.
Dale was known for his quick wit and an ever-present sense of humor that could lighten any moment. He was always good for a harmless prank or two as well.
He leaves behind his, son Jonathan Bakken: his daughter Elizabeth (Josh) Maynard as well as his most treasured gifts his grandchildren: Christian, Cullen, Beckett and Jovi; his sisters, Carol (Punky) Johnson and Catherine Bell; his brother Paul (Charlow) Bakken; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends; too many to count. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Ruby Bakken, and Brother, Ryan.
Memorials are preferred to the Alzhiemers Association or Hospice. As a family, we truly feel we were blessed with the time enjoyed with him. We will continue to love you and miss you forever.
Celebration of Life: Friday, August 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at V.F.W in West Fargo.