Skip to main content

Carrie Bakken

Lead Summary

Carrie Christine Bakken, 51, Luverne, died Monday, July 15, 2019, at the Sanford Luverne Hospital.
A funeral service was Saturday, July 20, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Carrie Laabs was born on Nov. 21, 1967, to Darold and Helen (Eggen) Laabs in Rapid City, South Dakota. When she was 18 months old, her family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A few years later the family moved to Luverne, where Carrie attended Luverne Public Schools. Following her graduation from Luverne High School in 1986, Carrie attended Mankato State University in Mankato and completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
On Aug. 4, 1990, Carrie married Peter Bakken at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. They made their home ten miles west of town and were blessed with two children, Makayla and Elijah. Carrie began her career in education in the Brandon-Valley School District for 15 years. After taking a couple of years off, Carrie became the Title 1/ RTI teacher in the Luverne Public Schools system for ten years. She was very passionate about her job and enjoyed being a part of her students’ lives.
In 1994 Carrie was diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease which causes hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissues. Her strong will and determination prevented the disease from taking away the career that she loved.
Carrie was a member of Palisade Lutheran Church where she served as secretary for several years, taught Sunday School and served as superintendent, was involved in music ministry, and headed up the annual children’s Christmas program. She was creative and enjoyed attending craft shows. She also enjoyed mowing lawn and attending her children’s activities.
She is survived by her husband, Peter Bakken; two children, Makayla Bakken of Thousand Oaks, California, and Elijah Bakken of Luverne; her parents, Darold and Helen Laabs of Luverne; two siblings, Julie (Paul) Vis of Sioux Falls, and Bruce Laabs of Coon Rapids; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Memorials may be directed to Luverne Public Schools — Elementary Library.
Arrangements were provided by the Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
(0725 F)

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.