Darrell D. Bakken, 81, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 11, 1933, in Rose Creek, Minnesota, to Carl and Anna (Wendt) Bakken. Darrell grew up in the Rose Creek/Austin area and attended school in Rose Creek. On Jan. 27, 1953, he was united in marriage to Audrey M. Haney in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Together the couple had six children. Darrell drove truck for a few local companies over the years, and worked as a meat cutter at Hormel Foods for over 17 years. He loved fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughters Deb (George) Van Houten and Denise (John) Everett, both of Austin, his sons Doug (Deanna) Bakken of Rock Dell, Minnesota, Perry Bakken (Dawn Zempel) of Rochester, and Brian (Kim) Bakken of Austin; daughter-in-law Mick Balzer; nine grandchildren, Tesa, Angie, Shannon, Chris, Ryan, DJ, Katie, Trevor, and Hannah;  nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Anderson of Austin and Ardith Hart of Loveland, Colorado; a brother Duane (Bonnie) Bakken of Owatonna, a sister-in-law Nancy Haney of Austin; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Anna Bakken; his wife Audrey Bakken in 2004; one daughter; and a brother.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Stephen DeFor officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Bakken Family in memory of Darrell, or to recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.