Donald Bakken, 1934-2014

Published 11:30 am Thursday, June 26, 2014

Donald Lavern Bakken, 79, of Mason City died Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa from a tubing accident on the Shell Rock River. Always adventurous, Don died doing an activity he loved. A private graveside service will be held at the Central Freeborn Cemetery in Albert Lea at a later date.

Donald Bakken

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the wonderful care given to Don by the ICU staff at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa.

Don was born in Albert Lea on Dec. 12, 1934, the son of Henry and Selma (Deno)  Bakken. After graduating from Albert Lea High School, he worked as a mechanic before enlisting in the United States Army where he was a medic. Following his service, Don drove truck cross country for many years. He owned and operated The Bookery until his retirement in the fall of 2013.

He loved NASCAR, camping and anything outdoors. Family was also very important to Don; he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his daughter, Dee Ann Iovinelli, of Rogers, Ariz.; his stepchildren Donald Twitty of Florida, Carisa Riles of Mason City, Christine Twitty of Mason City, Dwayne Twitty of Florida and Darrel Twitty of Mason City; two grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica) Iovinelli of Fort Smith, Ariz., and Corey (Kristen) Iovinelli of Alma, Ariz.; four step-grandchildren, Haden Riles, Austin Twitty, Chase Twitty and Caitlin Twitty; three great-grandchildren, Christian Iovinelli, Harrison Iovinelli and Kenlee Iovinelli; and his sister, Jeannette (Roger) Groskreutz, of Wells.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Selma Bakken; wife, Carsie Bakken; and brother, Harold Bakken.