Allen E. Bakkila

Allen Elmer Bakkila, age 83, died on February 22, 2025 at Essentia Heath in Fargo, ND. Allen was born July 14,1941 in Moorhead, MN to Elmer & Fayette Bakkila. He grew up and attended school in Fargo.

Allen married Carol Gaylord in 1961, and together they made their home in Moorhead, MN, they had three children together Lori (Blair), James Bakkila and Keith Bakkila. In 1981, Carol passed, leaving Allen a young widower.

In 1984, Allen married Jolene Settelmeyer Biby. Jolene had two children (Cheryl Biby and John Biby) from her previous marriage, and together the two families merged to Allen’s home in Moorhead. Together they welcomed their daughter (Cristina) to the combined family.

Allen made his career driving truck. He worked for several local trucking companies. He also worked construction, and returned back to trucking with Transystems until he retired.

Allen was an avid outdoorsman in his younger years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time at his lake home. He was a man of many talents and hobbies, including welding. He was always working on his next project in his garage. He also enjoyed collecting items, including his latest collection, his prized model car collection.

Allen is survived by his children, Lori Blair (Jon), James Bakkila (Shannon), Keith Bakkila, Cristina Bakkila (Kyle); his step children Cheryl Biby and John Biby (Kimberly); grandchildren, Tyler Bakkila (Anna), Steven Blair, Colton Bakkila, Shelby Blair, Fletcher Biby, Anna Biby, Garrett Biby, Katrina Biby, Jolena Thronson and soon to be born grandson Torfinn Thronson.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Faye Bakkila; his wives Carol Bakkila and Jolene Biby Bakkila; brother Ralph Bakkila, and sisters Doris Heinzen and Della Peterson.

A Celebration of Allen's Life will be held at his lake home at a later date.  

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN)