Marlowe Pearlie Bakken Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mr. Marlowe Pearlie Bakken, age 89, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in Franklin on Friday, July 15, 2016. Marlowe (Soapy) was born in Summit, South Dakota on June 10, 1927 to the late Peder and Mary (nee Tesness) Bakken. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Irene Chamley on October 28, 1950. They were married for 60 years at the time of Irene’s death. Soapy proudly served his country in both the United States Navy and Army. He began working as a linesman for Milwaukee Road at age 16 and worked there for 52 years. He was an avid Bible reader and loved reading God’s word. Soapy enjoyed Cowboy and Western movies and gracefully dancing with his wife, Irene “Beaner.” He was a family man with a great sense of humor, and he passed that on to his family members. Soapy will be remembered for teaching cribbage to his grandchildren, and through the years was always eager to beat them at a game. He enjoyed hosting cookouts where he prepared his legendary rotisserie chicken. Soapy was a great role model for showing what unconditional love really meant. He was completely selfless and constantly showed concern for others with his giving nature. Left to cherish his memory are his two sons: Mike and Pete Bakken; three daughters: Cheri Meyers, Roxanne Bakken and Michele (Troy) Hansen; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Soapy was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; daughter, Cindy; one grandson, and 8 siblings. Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Holly Anderle officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park with full military honors. Please direct memorials to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Marlowe Pearlie Bakken

June 10, 1927 - July 15, 2016