Shirley J. Bakken

Shirley J. Bakken, 87, a longtime Stewartville,MN resident died on Friday (April 12, 2024) of natural causes at Mayo Clinic Rochester - Methodist Campus.

Shirley Jean Bakken was born on November 26, 1936 in Racine Twsp,MN to Oscar and Hannah(Bushman) Bakken. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school in Sumner Center, Sumner Twsp. She attended Stewartville schools, graduating from Stewartville HS. in 1954. Shirley was employed at IBM in Rochester prior to being employed at Mayo Clinic in the purchasing department at the Methodist Hospital. She retired in 1992 after a 31 year career at Mayo Clinic.  Shirley lived in Stewartville for many years, caring for her parents in their older years and had moved to  Meadow Lakes Senior Living in Rochester in January of last year. She was a longtime member of the Stewartville United Methodist Church. She was a member and served on the Stewartville Senior Citizens Board and was a longtime member of the Family Council at the Stewartville Care Center. She was a lifetime member of the Stewartville Historical Society and Paws and Claws Humane Society. Shirley was an avid walker for many years, collected dolls and enjoyed going to garage sales.

She is survived by a brother Russell(Donna) Bakken of Spring Valley,MN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents brother - Kenneth Bakken and 4 sisters - Mildred, Dorothy, Marjorie and an infant sister - Kathryn.

In keeping with Shirley's wishes no services or visitation will take place at this time.  Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Stewartville Historical Society, the Stewartville Public Library and Paws and Claws(Rochester) for her love of animals. Arrangements are with Griffin -Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Shirley are welcome at www. griffin-gray.com

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