Joy Orrine Elizabeth (Aaser) Bakken, 91, of Drayton, ND passed away at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND on December 29, 2020 at the age of 91.
Joy was born December 10,1929, to Helga (Samson) and Joseph Aaser on the family farm between Lakota and Mapes, ND. She attended school in Mapes, Harvey, and Hurdsfield before attending and graduating from high school in McVille, ND. She attended college at NDSU in Fargo, choosing Home Economics as her area of study, as well as playing college basketball. On March 20, 1950 she married Henry C. Bakken, Jr in Moorhead, MN. They first made their home in Petersburg, ND. In 1954 they moved to Drayton where they raised their three daughters, Cheri, Caryn, and Cindy. Joy’s homemaking skills were evident in her wonderful cooking and baking abilities. The vast array of Norwegian delicacies were enjoyed by all during the holidays. She was also a gifted seamstress.
Joy was employed at the Drayton State Bank for approximately 30 years, working her way up to a vice president position. She was a sports enthusiast, whether being a participant or a spectator. Her favorites were golfing, curling, horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, and long walks. The family room shelves were lined with her golf and curling trophies. She was most proud of being on the winning team during two state curling championships. She also enjoyed defeating most people at Scrabble and playing card games, especially whist, bridge and pinochle.
Joy had a love of travel and visited a fair share of the world before health issues prevented her from traveling very far from home.
Joy was an active member of the Drayton Lutheran Church, VFW Auxiliary in Kennedy, MN, Drayton American Legion Auxiliary, as well as teaching Sunday School and being a Girl Scout leader.
Joy was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by daughters Cheri Halcrow of Grand Forks, ND, Caryn McLaen (Roger) of Forman, ND, and Cindy Gunnarson (Mike) of Hallock, MN; grandchildren Casey Halcrow (Katie), Jill Halcrow (Peter Thiele), Daniel Halcrow (Sally), Holly Ricker (James), Jeffrey Isakson (Hollie Lien), Robert Gunnarson (Emily), Marc Gunnarson (Tera), and Kirsten Stewart (Graeme), along with 15 great-grandchildren.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Henry of 53 years, and her brothers Harold, Rex, and Donald, and infant siblings Dale and Jacqueline.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Austin Funeral Home, Hallock MN. A celebration of life service will be held in Drayton at a date to be determined. Joy will be laid to rest in Westfield Silent Hill Cemetery near Finley, ND.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Caryn McLaen, 205 Fairway Dr, Forman ND 58032. The family will direct memorials in honor of Joy’s favorite causes.