Dale Bakken

Dale StDale Stewart Bakken, 70, of Conrad died March 12, 2015, at his daughter's home in Fairfield. Dale passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Cheryl after an aggressive battle of pancreatic cancer. A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. on March 20 at the Faith Bible Church in Fairfield.



Dale was born in Conrad on July 19, 1944, to Selmer and Gurina Bakken. He was later blessed with a brother Terry and a sister Jacalyn. He cherished them both dearly. He lived on his family farm east of Brady attending a few small country schools. Dale enjoyed spending quality time with his father and Uncle Eddie. His time around them was forever etched in his heart.



The family moved to Conrad when he was in the fourth grade. He graduated from Conrad High School in 1962. From there Dale went to Northern Montana College for a year before transferring to the College of Great Falls where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management. Along the way Dale's gentle compassionate nature gained him many friends throughout sports, school and the outdoors activities he enjoyed.



After college Dale was drafted and sent to Washington for basic training for the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Texas as a medic. He was given an honorable discharge for hardship when his mother became ill.



Upon returning he met Cheryl Rae Picknor in Conrad and knew she was the one. They were married on July 26, 1969, in Conrad and spent their honeymoon in a cabin in the Sun River Canyon. This solidified the special place in Dale and Cheri's heart for the area. They would pass down that love of the mountains to their future children and grandchildren.



They soon expanded their family with the addition of their four children, Dale Stewart Jr., Jill Renae, Robert Shane and Kelcy Kaye.



Dale and Cheryl took over the family farm shortly after they married. His time and summer months on the farm allowed him to stay connected to his passion and family memories he shared with his father. In his off seasons he was able to spend ample time working on his other occupations of choice, carpentry and packing for backcountry outfitters. Dale was known for his perfectism in his carpentry work. He was a craftsman at heart and openly praised the men he learned from, the late Elmer Munson and Dudes Hicks.



Dale was also known for his love of sports, horses, mules and the outdoors. He was as gentle and loving with his animals as he was with anyone around him. He was known for his attention to detail in almost everything he did. His handling of animals and packing skills were a true testimony to that.



When Dale retired, it allowed him to spend more time with the important people in his life. He would make any sacrifice for his family. His heart as large as his 6'6" frame. He will be remembered for his care for others. Dale was extremely humble and fiercely loyal. The time spent with his family at Sun Canyon will be a lasting memory for them all. His father in the Lord gives us assurance that we will see him again one day in heaven.



He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cheryl R. Bakken of Conrad; his children, Dale S. (Angie) Bakken Jr. of Missoula, Jill R. (Russell) Thiessen of Lambert, Robert S. (Kelli) Bakken of Townsend and Kelcy K. (Doug) Bouma of Fairfield; a brother, Terry (Maxine) Bakken of White Sulphur Springs; a sister, Jacalyn (Craig) McCoy of Missoula; grandchildren, Jackson Bakken, Tea and Tyler Thiessen, Brylee, Rylee and Leyton Bakken and Kolter, Kaylee, Kail, Kash and Kinley Bouma. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.



He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Selmer and Gurina Bakken and numerous aunts and uncles.