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Norman Bakken Obituary
May 19, 2023
Norman Kenneth Bakken was born in St. Croix County, Wis., on June 7, 1926, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, in the nursing care facility of Brandon Oaks retirement community in Roanoke, Va.
The son of Norwegian immigrants, Norman was raised in Everett, Wash. and married his childhood sweetheart Ginger in 1946.
He received his undergraduate degree from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and continued his education with graduate studies at Wittenberg University School of Divinity. Receiving a Master's degree in 1954, he then entered Union Theological Seminary/Columbia University in New York City. While studying there he was employed as a Teaching Fellow and served as interim pastor for Lutheran churches in Brooklyn. Completing his residence work at Union Seminary in 1958, Dr. Bakken went on to become a professor of New Testament Theology at Mt. Airy Seminary in Philadelphia and then at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary in Minneapolis. He also taught Hebrew, Ancient Greek and the Gospel in contemporary literature.
In 1981, Norm and Ginger left the country to embark on a new chapter of experiencing different parts of the world. Dr. Bakken continued his teaching career in various ecumenical and Lutheran graduate schools in Brazil, India, Jamaica, Tanzania and Kuala Lumpur.
Norm enjoyed many forms of sports and exercise, and began an amateur boxing career in his teens. He was an (almost!) life-long tennis player, loved biking, sailboating, swimming and a good game of bridge.
He was an avid reader, and in recent years led discussion groups centered around literature and spiritually themed texts.
Norm was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Ginger; their first born child, Minda Marie, along with many other cherished family members and friends.
He is survived by four children, Mark, Mary, Baheru and wife, Ayalnesh, and John and his wife, Liza; five grandchildren; Marija, Tiana, Mateo, Meklit and Abel, as well as many devoted nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration in honor of the life of Dr. Bakken will be held at a later time, as yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Bakken's name to the Augsburg Fund. Find it online at [email protected] or by mail at Augsburg University, The Augsburg Fund, 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Bakken
Michael Smith
May 17, 2024
Norman was a wonderful man. He had a huge impact on my spiritual life. I will be forever grateful!
James Bendon
September 13, 2023
Dr Baaken was my sponsor when ordained in '78. My senior year we had many enjoyable badminton games. His lectures were filled with energy. San Antonio
John luoma
June 6, 2023
Good to see that a fellow Auggie and pastor led such an impressive and fulfilling life.
Susan and Ray Johnson
May 31, 2023
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Susan and Ray Johnson
May 31, 2023
Susan and Ray Johnson
May 31, 2023
Kjaereste Mary, Mark, John and all the families,
I can only think of our Uncle Norman as he has always been...so vibrant and loving and filled with fun as he told us Norwegian "yokes", participated in our family talent shows through the years, and shared the stories that he and Aunt Ginger created in their adventurous life they made together. We are sad that we didn't make the trekk out to see him this year, but my heart is gladdened to think of all the siblings, Norm, Mom (your Auntie Mary), and Ole all together again. We will treasure all the memories we shared together and will hold Uncle Norm and Auntie Ginger in our hearts. Such fun memories of all of us together. The picture of the three siblings was taken the June prior to Mom's passing. She was so happy to see both her brothers. The picture to the right is one of our mange, mange family get togethers....this one holding Norm, Grandma Kari, Minda, David and Mom...( Dad and Auntie Ginger must have been taking the picture?)who are all gathered together on the other side!
The day Uncle Norman passed, it was a beautiful thing that many of us were gathered together at the Evergreen Cemetery in Everett where Uncle Ole and Auntie Alta were being honored and placed in the columbarium with our Mama. Such sweet serendipity.
Thinking of you all and wishing we could be with each of you to share a hug. We will miss your dad so very much. He was bigger than life. An Uncle to be proud of....always.
Our love to you all,
Susan and Ray Johnson
The Rev. Kelly M. Sisson
May 23, 2023
I enjoyed knowing Norm and Ginger when they first moved to Blacksburg. On Pentecost, this coming Sunday, I will wear the Pentecost stole he gave me and remember him as a scholar, a mentor, a colleague, a fellow art lover, and a friend.
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