Lyle F.M. Bakken

Lyle Fred Marvin Bakken, 88, formerly of Drake, ND, died Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.
Lyle was born April 11, 1934, in Drake, ND, to Theodore and Mamie (Vollmer) Bakken. He attended Roosevelt No. Country School until the 8th grade and graduated from Drake High School in 1952, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.
In 1952, Lyle enlisted with the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1955, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning home, Lyle attended Dakota Business College in Fargo. Following college, he was employed by Great Northern Railroad and the North Dakota State Highway Department.
Lyle was united in marriage to Maren Rossebo on November 23, 1958, in Trinity Lutheran Church in Drake. Lyle began his banking career in 1959, accepting his first position at American State Bank in Minot, ND. They soon started a family, welcoming their first of four children, Michael in 1959, Nancy in 1960, Derek in 1967 and Kyle in 1969.
In 1964, Lyle accepted a cashier position at 1st National Bank in Drake. He later was promoted to Executive Vice President and Managing Officer. He started serving on the board of directors in January of 1967. In 1975, Lyle became President and Co-Owner of 1st National Bank.
While living in Drake, Lyle was active in many community organizations. He was president of the Drake School board from 1966-1982, served on the Trinity Lutheran Church board, Drake volunteer fire department, Drake City Council, and was a board member of St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey, ND.
He was a proud member of the American Legion and VFW posts in Drake and was one of the original organizers of the Drake Threshing Association.
After 23 years with 1st National, Lyle accepted a position with Walhalla State Bank as Vice President and Senior Loan Officer in 1987.
In 1997, Lyle retired after 38 years in the banking business. Lyle and Maren moved to Sun City West, AZ until February of 2021. While living in Sun City West, Lyle continued his love for baseball. He stayed active playing softball, managing teams and fundraising projects for the softball programs. In 2009, he was inducted into the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maren; their children, Michael (Shannon) Bakken, Nancy Bakken, Derek (Janet) Bakken and Kyle (Jeanne) Bakken; 13 grandchildren, Sasha, McKenzie, Ayla, James, Sara, Andrea, Alexis, Aleah, Jonah, Keegan, Kiana, Kyla and Kaleb; six great-grandchildren, Logan, Lainey, Miles, Tate, William and Tyler; nephew, Lynn Ziegler; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mae Ziegler; and brother-in-law, Virgil
Ziegler.
Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 1PM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Drake, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Drake Cemetery.