Ryan L. Bakken
September 19, 1951 ~ June 28, 2025
Ryan’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 2:00 PM, Monday, July 7, 2025.
Ryan Lee Bakken, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on June 28, 2025, at Sanford Hospice House, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on September 19, 1951, in Fosston, Minnesota, Ryan was the son of Lowell and Ruby (Olson) Bakken. Growing up in Crookston, he attended McKinley Elementary and Central High School, where he graduated in 1969. Ryan pursued his degree at Moorhead State College, graduating in 1973. He then went on to a career in sports journalism, writing at the Grand Forks Herald for over 40 years. Ryan was inducted into the NDAPSSA Hall of Fame in 2007 and was chosen sportswriter of the year in ND in 1984, 1985, and 1995.
In 1984, Ryan married the love of his life, Chris Scott, and together they raised two wonderful children: Andrea and Jacob. Ryan embraced life with a passion for sports. He was an avid golfer, softball player, and a devoted basketball coach. Ryan’s family and lifelong friends appreciate the light he brought to life, cracking jokes and enjoying a good game of cards.
Ryan’s legacy will live on through his beloved wife, Chris; his daughter, Andrea (Jarrett) Robertsdahl, and their children, Miles, Parker, Leo, and Griffin; his son, Jacob (Becca) Bakken; his sisters, Carol (Punky) Johnson and Catherine Bell; his brothers, Dale Bakken and Paul (Charlow) Bakken; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorials in honor of Ryan can be made to the Sanford Hospice House, 820 N 4th St, Fargo, ND 58102.
Services
Visitation - Monday: July 7, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Monday: July 7, 2025 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
I am heartbroken to hear the news of Ryan’s passing. We had been friends for over 50 years in Crookston. He and Gary Royal treated me like a little sister. He was a wonderful friend. The last time I saw Ryan was in 2010 at a Twins pre-season game in Fort Meyers. Gary caught a ball that day and let me keep it for my nephew. I have such happy memories of Ryan.
Ryan was in the Twin Cities some years ago and we met up with another friend, Doug LaFriniere. I was parked in a parking garage and I asked Ryan to walk me out to my car. He kind of teased me about being a chicken. A week later, Alfonso Rodriguez killed Drew Shudeen.(sp). Ryan wrote a column about that and in it he wrote, that if a friend asks you to walk them to their car, do it! Ryan was one of the good ones. Bless his memory. I pray for comfort for all those who loved him.
Chris, Andrea, Jacob and family, our condolences! Thanks for sharing Ryan with me over the years. Groomsman at Diane and I’s wedding, softball tournaments, 20 plus years of playing golf in the 4th of July triple event at Minakwa, honored that he asked a hacker like met to play in the 1993 LPGA pro-am, always played in my annual Hacker tourney (he was no hacker), all the caravans to the Twins games, spring training in Florida in 2010, the smear games, the annual TBGE poker game, your visits as a family for many years on Christmas Eve. Endless memories. He was a special friend! Rest in peace Ryan “Briggs” “Briggsey Boy” and may God grant you eternal life! Give those guys up there some chipping lessons….you were the best chipper of a golf ball I knew!! Your friend Hoover.
Sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. Jim, Rachael, and I will remember his fun stories and easy going demeanor. Rest in Peace, Ryan
Ryan will be remembered as an outstanding sports reporter, news reporter (especially floods) and columnist. He was fun to be around and we had a good working relationship at the Herald and my years (1979-97) in Bismarck. It’s hard to believe he’s passed away. Thanks for the memories. My best to Chris and family. RIP.
My deepest condolences on Ryan’s passing. I knew Ryan through working at the GF Herald. In addition to his excellent journalism, he was just a great person! I started at the Herald when I was 20 years old and Ryan is one of the people who made me feel welcome from the get go. He was always so cheerful, a character and full of BS…which was my kind person – you could always count on a laugh when visiting with him.
My own mom passed from dementia, so I know this has been a difficult journey for you all. Please know I am keeping you all in my prayers. Rest easy, Ryan. You will be missed by all who knew you.
Kathy (Flanagan) Costello
I remember Ryan as an awesome reporter, both sports and news. And more than that, Ryan was a great guy, a colleague and a good friend even though I was a radio sports broadcaster, first in Devils Lake and then Williston for some 40 plus years.
He was one of the really good guys.
My sympathies and thoughts to his family.
My condolences to all in the family.
Tom Andringa
Ryan was such a great guy. He treated me and my kids as his own whenever we were at Andrea and Jarrett’s together. I will always remember that big smile and twinkling eyes. We are so greatful to have gotten to know him, Chris and Jake through his amazing daughter. He will always be “Grandpa Ryan” to us ❤️
Love you guys!
Alyssa W
(Sister-in-law to Andrea)
Sorry to hear about Ryan’s passing. So many great times playing softball visiting at Goldies and coaching together at Sacred Heart. He will truly be missed. Hugs and kisses to Chris and family you are in our prayers 🙏.
Love Roger and Bev
An extraordinary writer, columnist, sports editor, and jokester. Always much fun to be had hanging around with him. The rest of us in the newspaper world envied his ability, talent, and humor. Bless his family, former co-workers and all who loved him.
My Deepest sympathy to Chris and all of the family members in the loss of Ryan. Thinking of you as you go through these difficult times.
Shirley Coauette
Chris,
So sorry for your loss. Know of my thoughts and prayers as you find your new normal.
That smile and twinkle in his eye always made bantering with Ryan fun!
Pam Laffen
The area has lost a true literary giant who leaves behind a long legacy of outstanding sports coverage. Minnesota & North Dakota coaches have lost a friend and tremendous supporter of high school sports. Ryan could and did ask the tough questions, but he was always fair in the many human interest stories he published. I was coaching football and girls basketball in Argyle, Minnesota in the 1980’s and early 90’s. Ryan was never afraid to give me, or coaching legend Warren Keller, a call to get an opinion or scoop on a high school sports issue. And it only took a spark and he had his story. My heart goes out to Chris and his children as they grieve and celebrate the life of man who leaves behind a lot of friends in the sports world.
Chris and Family,
My condolences on the passing of Ryan. He is golfing, and maybe playing cards, with St. Peter.
I met Ryan through Sacred Heart School watching him coach the junior high team. He was wonderful! His manner with the kids stood out. I remember being impressed with his transition system with the members on the bench – Everyone plays no matter what the score is! He got it right!
I also remember his head turning towards a certain science teacher on staff.
He was a person who loved life.
God bless Ryan.
Dave Andrys
Grew up as a neighbor to Ryan and Wally. Great neighbors and treated us like family. Went on lake trips with them. Very sorry to see his passing.
My sympathy to the Bakken Family. I always enjoyed Ryan’s column and still miss it, especially got a kick out of his school dance chaperoning and his quest to embarrass Andrea! I am sure he’s up there making people laugh right now. ❤️
My condolences to Ryan’s family.