Joan F. Bakken

Joan F. Bakken, 72, passed away at Franciscan Villa with her family by her side on Thursday, March 12, 2008.

Joan was born in LaCrosse on September 26, 1936, to Frank Wesley and Beverly Fern (Berger) Stoda. She received her LPN degree from Gateway Technical College and her Respiratory Therapy degree from California College of Respiratory Therapy. Joan married William F. Graf on October 31, 1958. She later married Minard E. Bakken on November 13, 1993. He preceded her in death on February 22, 2006. Joan worked as a LPN and a Respiratory Therapist at All Saints Medical Center for 25 years before retiring in 1994. For many years after retiring she continued helping other people who needed nursing and domestic help in their home. Her many volunteer activities included “Teen Mom” through Youth for Christ, REST program for the homeless, the Racine Correctional Institution, and started a neighborhood watch on her block.

Joan is survived by her children, Daniel (Sue) Graf, David (Lisa) Graf and Dawn (Mark) Anich; step-children, Teresa (Kevin) Knox, Cynthia (Matthew) Baldukas and James Bakken; grandchildren, David, Jennifer, Ryan and Justin Graf and Carissa and Allison Anich; step-grandchildren, Kyle, Brady, and Christopher Baldukas and Tiffany, Jordan, Jesse and Noah Knox and siblings, Judy Hobbs, Janet (Butch) Campbell and Beverly Ann (Larry) Dwyer. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters

Funeral Services for Joan will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 7 p.m. with Rev. John Meisel officiating. Private interment will take place in Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until the time of services. Memorials to Racine Bible Church have been suggested.

Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000