Rev. Hardis C. BAKKEN

BAKKEN, ORSTAD, LEHL, CRIST, REESER, SELLON, WASHINGTON, REESER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/10/2007 at 19:33:25

Reverend Hardis C. Bakken Resident of San Pablo -- Hardis passed away peacefully on May 5, 2007 after a long and wonderful life. He was born March 12, 1910 in Lunds Valley, ND, where his early years were spent working on the farm. He graduated from Mission High School in San Francisco, class of 1928. He worked on his parents' farm for a few years after graduation and then served in the army. He played the trumpet in the 35th infantry band at Scofield barracks in Hawaii. After the service he worked at the Federal Reserve Bank and the Angelo Bank and Trust Company in San Francisco. In 1934 Hardis met Gladys Orstad and they were married on February 29, 1936 at the Norwegian Lutheran Church which is now Golden Gate Lutheran Church. In 1941 they moved to Minneapolis and attended Augsburg College. After graduating from college he entered Luther Seminary in St. Paul where he graduated in 1946. He was ordained on June 2, 1946 and went to serve a two point parish; Samel Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, IA, and Holmes Lutheran Church. In 1950 he accepted a call at Hauge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL. While at this church he attended DePaul University, McCormick Presbyterian College and Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, all in the Chicago area. In 1955 he accepted a call to Lemon Grove Lutheran church in Lemon Grove, CA. He served this church for 10 years, then accepted a call to pioneer Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pinole, CA, until his retirement in 1986. Hardis lost his wife Gladys on November 22, 2002. He then spent his time with family and many special friends. Hardis continued to bring us all closer to the Lord, and had a special way of teaching us to walk with Him. He had many talents and interests, including playing music, singing, walking politics, literature, new technology, wonderful old stories, as well as a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many.

Hardis is survived by his nieces, Carol Lehl, Phyliss Crist, Loran Reeser, Audrey Sellon, Gayle Washington, Yoko Bakken; his nephew Marlyn Reeser; many great-nieces and nephews; along with two special friends, Nancy Peterson and Debbie Joseph. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation Friday, May 11, 10-11am, Hope Lutheran Church, 2830 May Rd., El Sobrante. The funeral will follow at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, 2830 May Rd., El Sobrante. WILSON & KRATZER Chapel of the Mission Bells.

May 9, 2007
San Francisco Chronicle, copyright