Mavis Lavaun Bakken

Mavis Lavaun Bakken passed away on March 9,2026 in Brookings, SD. Private family graveside services will be held. Family suggest memorial be directed to the Make A Wish Foundation for children. Rude's Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mavis was born on November 29, 1925 in Bruce, South Dakota the daughter of Edward and Hazel (Harms) Friedel at the home of her grandparent, Joe & Luella Harms, in rural Bruce, SD.

Mavis received her education in rural school District #108 Brookings County, South Dakota, and was a graduate of the Volga High School in 1943. After receiving her education, she was employed for several years at the Volga Creamery and later at J.C. Penney and Co. in Sioux Falls for several years. She was united in marriage to Millard O. Bakken on June 1, 1948 in Pipestone, Minnesota. After their marriage they farmed near Lake Campbell in Brookings County their entire life. Mavis was employed at Danceland for 20 years, the Sale Barn in Brookings for several years and the Brookings Country Club for five years.

She was a member of the Lake Campbell Lutheran Church, the Church Circle and the Senior Citizens. She was a past member of the Sportsman Club. She especially enjoyed dancing, and spending time with family.

Mavis is survived by her two sons, Larry Bakken of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Gary Bakken, and his wife, Deb of Volga, S.D., one daughter, Wanda Hai of Volga, S.D. five grandchildren, Jason (Chrissy) Hai, Travis (Tina) Hai, Cody (Ashley) Hai, Mandy (Joe) Verhulst, and Kelly (Chelsie) Bakken; sixteen great grandchild, Shawn Hai, Kobe (Kristina) Hai, Leia Hai, Shelby Hai, Taylee Hai, Hunter Steinhaus, Shanna Bakken, Ayden Verhulst, Caleb Verhulst, Brylen Verhulst, Jacob Hai Caden Hai, Kyra Jensen, Jadea Door, Haven Hai and Onyx Hai; one great great grandson, Kamden Hai.

Mavis was preceded in death by her husband Millard, her parents, and her grandparents.