Arnold Bakken
June 1, 1931 ~ September 11, 2010
Arnold "Corky" Bakken, 79 of Hillsboro, died Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Hillsboro Medical Center in Hillsboro.
Corky was born on June 1, 1931 in Hillsboro, the only child of Clara Mae (Elton) Bakken and Arndt Casper Bakken. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro. At the age of 11 Corky's mother died and two years later his father died. He was raised with his grandma Johanna Bakken.
Corky attended Hillsboro High School and then joined the US Army on July 11, 1949. Corky is a veteran of the Korean War, earning the Korean Service Medal and Bronze Star. While serving in Korea, Corky was sent to Japan for surgery and transferred to Fitzsimmons Military Hospital. Corky served in the Army for 5 years, 2 months and 20 days.
Corky returned to Hillsboro where he was employed by Thompson Construction and 13 years for the City of Hillsboro.
Corky was known as the local historian and community story teller. He made many friends enjoying people of all ages and attending community functions. Corky was a proud 55-year member of the VFW and American Legion.
Corky is survived by his aunt, Cecilia "Nippy" Nelson of Hillsboro; his many "Elton" cousins and Bakken cousins. The family requests the memorials be made to the Hillsboro H-509 Arnold Bakken Scholarship.
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Hillsboro North Dakota
I was always proud to tell people that Corky was my cousin. He had an excellent reputation and was well liked by everyone. Corky loved the Hillsboro Community and enjoyed the most important things in life, his friends and family.
Hartland WisconsinWe are going to miss you Corky, going to miss the good times we had when we came back to Hillsboro, and visted with you, recalling the good old days we had when we were kids,you always let me know where all our cousins were and what they were doing. Goodbye my Friend. Cousin Bud
hillsboro ndCorky was a very nice person to talk to. Corky and Bart loved to play cards and make jokes. It sure made the hospital stay easier. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Lower Brule sdSorry to hear about the passing of corky, he was a wounderful man. Will keep the family in y thoughts and prayers..
Plymouth MN
I remember Corky and Art sitting at the table, drinking coffee and laughing. He was always willing to help. Corky was one of the good guys. He will be missed.
Hillsboro ND
Thank you for serving your Country. Onward and Upward, Rest in Peace, my Friend.
Fairfax VAGrowing up in Monrtana with my father Link Bakken, I remember my trips back to Hillsboro to visit my grandmother Hannah Bakken and Corky. He was always a part of my life I will always remember my father and Corky joking and laughing together. Corky was a very special person he lived and took are of my grandmother all of her life. I will miss Corky.