Duane Melvin Bakken

Mr. Bakken was my favorite teacher at North Junior High - and he became the librarian my final year there. I enjoyed his stories and he laughed at my jokes, and it was a pleasant surprise to find him in the library when I went to Colorado College. He had so many students but he remembered me as soon as he saw me walk in the door! I always made it a point to visit with him whenever I. came back to CC.

Miss you!

My favorite subbing job in the 80´s was working under Ole at Russell´s library. Praying for Joan and the family.

I worked with Ole at Colorado College for many years. He was a very beloved staff member. At the end of the school year, he always had a sing along with witty lyrics to memorialize the events of the summer. He and Joan would bring all kinds of food. What always struck me was how he told us he was so grateful for his job and to work with us. Ole, we were the grateful ones!

I can't remember if it was the 7th or the 8th grade that you were my English teacher at North Junior. You were the first teacher to call all your students "Mr." or "Miss." (this was before the era of 50 different pronouns) Hard to believe that the young teacher, full of energy and life, was 91 years old when he passed from the earth. Seems like we're here for just a moment, then we're gone. Rest well, Mr. Bakken, and thank you.

Bakken family- Sending my sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My father passed about five years ago and there is not a day that goes by that I don´t think about him. Keep him in your hearts.

Thank you for being one of my excellent teachers at North Junior High School in the 1960s. I treasure our communication since I graduated in 1973 from The Colorado College. Rest peacefully, beloved Mr. Bakken, and rise majestically. To your beloved wife Joan and loved ones, I extend heartfelt condolences. With compassion, love, prayers, Henry Doyle, NJHS 1963-1966

So sorry to read about Ole's passing. I worked at Colorado College Tutt Library with Ole for many years. He was an interesting and fun coworker. And I was surprised at one point in time running into him with his family and friends in the parking lot of one of the Amana Colonies restaurants in Iowa. A very fun surprise. Our condolences to your family at this time. Sarah and Dan Jaecks

D 11 sent me to Russell to open the school up for evening classes, I was given a desk in Oile's library . New Territory, new staff, new assignment but Olie made me feel welcomed and right at home. Every time I went to the Library I knew I'd find a welcome friend. He made ALL THE DIFFERENCE in my work. We had a flamingo's in your yard/cards 'thing ' going which still makes me smile. Olie, you were so loved by so many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!