Marjorie Dale Bakken

Marjorie Dale Bakken (Olson), age 92 of Cambridge, WI died in hospice care on October 28, 2025.  Marjorie, (Sue) was born to William and Ruby Olson on July 12, 1933 in Willmar, MN. 

Sue graduated in 1951 from Hutchinson High School.  After attending St. Olaf College for a semester and then working in Minneapolis, she moved to Zumbrota, MN where her parents had purchased a movie theater.  It was at this theater where Sue met her future husband, Neal Bakken.  They were married on May 2, 1954 in Zumbrota during a late season snowstorm.  It was only fitting that on their 50th anniversary celebrated in Cambridge that there were scattered large snowflakes in the air that day.  

Sue was an excellent seamstress and an accomplished knitter.  She was rarely seen without a knitting project in her hands and knit countless mittens, hats, sweaters, socks and all kinds of decor for her family and friends.  She also sold her goods at the The Homespun House in Cambridge which she operated with two other crafter friends.  A favorite story of hers was about the time she stopped at a high-end art store and asked about selling some of her knit goods. The owners responded that they didn't sell that kind of stuff at their store.  When she pulled out some of her unique work they quickly said they would make an exception for her stuff.  Both Country Handcrafts and Needlecrafts for Today magazines bought and published her patterns.    

Sue was extremely proud of her Norwegian heritage and very interested in genealogy.  She took two trips to Norway to visit the areas and farms her relatives emigrated from.  Sue also travelled overseas to Germany, France, and Israel.  In the winter Sue and Neal often travelled to Florida or the Southwest. They also travelled to the vast majority of the States where they enjoyed visiting historic sites and National Parks.  In the fall they often travelled to northern Minnesota.    

Sue is survived by her children; Becky (Bob) Fredrickson of Burnsville, MN, Rachael Bakken of Lake Mills, Rev. Eric (Ramie) Bakken of Cambridge, Jennie Nelson of Sun Prairie, Heidi (Dan) Jenness of Edgerton, and Peter (Lisa) Bakken of Black River Falls, WI.  Sue had 18 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren.  Sue was preceded in death by her husband Neal, Son Jon and Grandson Hans Fredrickson.  

Services will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, November 1 at Grace Lutheran Church, 501 Skogen Rd., Cambridge with lunch following the service.  Interment will follow at a later date.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.   

Memorials may be directed to Sugar Creek Bible Camp which many of her children and grandchildren have attended over the years, or to Grace Lutheran Church where she has been an active member for over 60 years.    

The family wants to thank the excellent care that Sue received from Home Again and Agrace Hospice.  

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.