Obituary
Daniel Paul Bakken
Daniel Paul Bakken, age 74, of Onalaska, WI, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Dan was born on January 7,1951 in La Crosse Wisconsin to Joyce and Roland Bakken. He graduated from DeSoto High School in 1969 and proudly served his country in the Army, earning recognition for his good conduct and faithful service during his time in uniform.
Dan spent his career as an over-the-road truck driver, traveling countless miles across the country for Southwest beer distributor, Niedfelt Trucking, and Ace Hardware. Known on the CB radio as “Stringbean,” he often joked that he’d put on more miles backing up a truck and trailer than most people ever drive forward.
When he wasn’t on the road, Dan could usually be found spending a day on the river with his fishing pole and favorite hand-made lures, hunting, or gathered around a table playing cards with friends and family. The locations of his favorite fishing holes and hunting spots will remain secrets unrevealed. He enjoyed his casino trips and long drives around the state always finding a short cut to his destination. He was an infinitely generous man who truly loved helping anyone who needed it, sharing stories and laughs, and cherishing time with those he held dear. His warmth, kindness, and easy laugh touched everyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joyce and Roland, sister Paulette Humphreys, nephew John Voves, mother and father – in-law Bob and Ruth Johnson sister-in-law Linda Devenport and her family Mike, Cheri and Mikie.
Dan is survived by wife Sharon [Johnson] Bakken; children Gwen (Jay) Herrick and Jeremy Bakken (Becky Farmer); grandsons Miles (Clarisse), Liam, and Sawyer Herrick; sisters Sandy (Bill) Rolfe, Patsy (Stan) Meyer, Julie (Jim) Hagen; brothers Ron (Mindy), Gary (Betty), David (Pat); sisters-in law Janice, Marlene, Sandy (Butch); brother-in law Bobby and several nieces and nephews.
An informal graveside gathering will be held at 3 pm on September 26,2025 at Burns Cemetery (N5461 WIS-162, Bangor, WI) to allow friends and family to say their farewells and share fond remembrances of a life lived to the fullest.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made in Dan’s memory to the National MS Society (https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/DanBakken).
Dan’s family welcomes shared memories or messages emailed to dan.bakken.memories@gmail.com
Sharon and Family Our deepest sympathies to you all. Dan was like a brother to Eldon, they spent many hours on the Mississippi. See you soon.Lots if love from ” The Bergs”
Sharon and family
My deepest condolences to your family. Dan was alway so nice to my brother and I growing up as kids. You guys were the best neighbors to my grandparents. I will always remember you guys and my grandpa teasing each other about different things. Please know I am thinking of you and your family.
Cassie Gentry-Valley Don and Esther Senn’s granddaughter. Lenore Senn-Gentry’s daughter
Sharon
Thinking of you and your family. Sending healing thoughts to you as you navigate through this difficult time. If you need anything from us please let me know. I have not seen you around the neighborhood for quite sometime. I have often wondered how you’re doing. My sincere condolences for the passing of your sweet husband. Your neighbors The Callaway’s
Sharon and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Lana Goldsmith (Kumlin, DeSoto class of 1969.)
I just heard that Dan has passed. I am so sorry for your loss Sharon. Dan always had a smile on his face and a good story when I would see him. He was lucky to have you at his side. God bless.