Janet “Jan” Bakken

Obituary

Janet “Jan” Marie Bakken was born on August 29, 1939, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Henry and Dorothea (Totz) Rannow. Jan was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She received her education in Hutchinson and was a proud member of the Hutchinson High School class of 1957.

On July 27, 1958, Jan was united in marriage to Warren Bakken at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with four children, Rebecca, Scott, Cynthia and Steven. As Warren served in the United States Navy, they moved across the United States and the Philippines for 20 years before making their home in Waconia, Minnesota. They shared 41 years of marriage until Warren passed away on May 18, 2000. This was a tremendous loss for Jan. She was comforted by God’s promise of eternal salvation for Warren and God’s continued presence.

Jan loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and volunteer. Many opportunities involved serving God such as: Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, visiting nursing homes, serving as a board member in Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, choir member, Bible study leader, and Stephen’s ministry caregiver and leader. Jan had a special gift and love for evangelism. She loved talking about her Savior and Lord, Jesus, to anyone who would listen. For over 25 productions, Jan has been a costume builder at Mayer Lutheran High School. Upon meeting new people, she never extended a hand for shaking. “I’m a hugger,” she explained and immediately gave a warm embrace to everyone.

When Jan was younger, her friends’ kids would call her “Auntie Jan.” When Jan’s children were in high school, many of their friends called her “Mom.” Year later, she became known as “Grandma Jan” to a new generation of friends of her grandchildren.

Jan went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 84 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Jan is survived by her:
Children, Rebecca Stolee and her husband, Rand,
Scott Bakken and his wife, Mary,
Cynthia Lilienthal and her husband, Gene,
Steven Bakken and his wife, Wendy;
15 Grandchildren;
21 Great grandchildren;
Siblings, Bea (Jerome) Goetsch,
Richard (Linda) Rannow,
Marlene Hamblin,
Christine (James) Kalenberg,
Kenneth (Jane) Rannow);
Many other relatives and friends.

Jan is preceded in death by her Parents, Henry and Dorthea Rannow; Husband, Warren Bakken; Siblings, Geraldine Rannow, Eleanor Hoff, Helen Renstrom, Raymond Rannow.