Brendt Bakken

Brendt Bakken, age 67, of rural Lengby, MN, passed away on Friday, November 27th at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, MN as a result of complications related to Covid.

Brendt Eugene Bakken was born to parents Lloyd & Mildred (Lomen) Bakken on October 14th, 1953 in Fosston, MN. Brendt was raised on the family farm in rural Lengby, along with his 4 other siblings Earle, Iris, Dennis, and Lynette. Brendt graduated from Fosston High School in 1971. The following August, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served until his honorable discharge in August of 1974. Most of his time in the Army was spent stationed in Germany where he was an auto mechanic and tow truck operator.

Following his time in the service, Brendt attended VoTech in Rochester, MN where he went for the machinist/welding trade. Brendt was an extremely talented welder and machinist throughout his life. He could design, figure out, and fix almost anything he put his mind to. Brendt's work life involved a variety of experiences in his early years. He worked as a welder at the Steiger Factory in Fargo, ND, as a Semi Driver, and often spoke of his time on the Custom Combine Run. His later years were spent working at Stenberg's Welding & Fabricating and most recently the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN.

Brendt lived most of his life in Northern MN other than short periods in New Hampshire, Southern MN, and Fargo, ND. In 1998 after his mother's passing, Brendt returned to the family farm where he lived until his death. Over the past 22 years Brendt enjoyed lending a helping hand and his friendships to many in the "neighborhood" south of Lengby.

Though often portraying a tough exterior, many who knew him, saw the sensitive, playful and jokester that he could often be. Brendt embraced the role of "Fun Uncle" to many of his nieces and nephews. He had a life long passion for motorcycles & shooting sports. He had many different bikes over the years and enjoyed several trips out west. When riding and many other things he did, he had two speeds - slow and fast, there was very little in between.

Brendt is survived by his son Evan (Ruth) Fonder and his four granddaughters, Hannah, Elise, Lorraine, & Hadley of Fosston, MN; his two sisters, Iris (Larry) Peper of Omaha, NE and Lynette (Joe) Kulzer of Beltrami, MN; sister-in-laws Charlotte Bakken and Rose Bakken Ranisate; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd & Mildred and his two brothers Earle & Dennis Bakken.

Honorary Paul Bearers include his nephews, Dominic, Toby, Joshua, and Jordan Bakken, Jeff Bakken, and Peter & Paul Kulzer, along with his son Evan Fonder.