Sally M. Bakken

Photo Madison - Sally M. (Theel) Bakken, age 91, of Madison, died peacefully on Wed. Dec. 10, 2008 at Serenity House in DeForest. She was born on March 3, 1917. Through her faith, she was "Born Again" on Sept. 4, 1998. Her parents were Christian and Selma Theel. She was the oldest girl of 11 children. A farmers daughter, and chores to be done, she was often left to care for her siblings and with some, it lasted all there lives. Sally married Hector R. Bakken. They have six children; Joann, Ray, Don, Jerry, Diana and Mike. Her children blessed her with 22 grandchildren. Then her grandchildren gave her 34 more children. Thats a lot of kids, but you also have to add the fact that she was a Foster Mother to 54 children of all different ages, sizes and colors. She loved children! Finally, just when we thought she was ready to retire and take some time to just do what she wanted, she started working at Central Colony as a "Gramma". Sally would spend time just being with and comforting a sick child. She was an Amazing Woman! Sally was an accomplished self taught seamstress. In addition to our clothing she would make bridle gowns, she made my sisters and also mine. Dear mother, words cannot be written to express the hole that will be left in our lives because you wont be here anymore, but I know that I can speak for all of us when I say that we celebrate that you are at peace. We will remember and try to live by the "Life Lessons" you taught us. You had a way of turning a negative experience into a positive lesson, at times with a yard stick, but it was a lesson you wouldnt forget. You took a house with not much in it and made it a Home. The door was always open. It didnt matter if it was stray cats or whole families, they were welcome. When I got up in the morning, it was common to see people asleep on the couch or the floor and it wasnt just for a place to sleep. We never had much, but you always made the food go around, I dont know how you did it, but we never went hungry. You became known as "Ma Bakken" to all my brothers friends. You always said, "the more the merrier". You taught us about strength, sacrifice, charity, love, hope, manners and how to manage money when there wasnt any. But most of all, you taught us about Faith and believing in God. When I look back and think of the struggles you went through, it brings tears to my eyes. You never complained. You always maintained your dignity. Your favorite saying was "always believe". Never once when Tom and I would drop you off did you forget to say thank you. When asked how you were, you always said, "oh fine". In fact, I was questioned by Care Wisconsin staff and the E.R. nurses and doctors, who wanted to know if you knew what they were asking you. Of course, I said yes, that they would know if something was wrong! When I or anyone else would visit, I knew you didnt want me to go, but you always said, thank you for coming, see you soon! Mother, its because of your Faith and belief in Acts 2:38, that I know where you are right now and know that you are finally receiving you just reward. Ill see you soon! I Love You, Diana. Mom would like to thank; Shellys team and Ann Smith with Care Wisconsin, they literally came to our rescue. Dr. Hahn, Rory and Amandas team with HospiceCare - None Better! Sally is survived by her five children; Joann Anderson of Madison, Ray (Cathy) Bakken of Madison, Jerry (Lynn) Bakken of Poynette, Diana (Tom) Nelson of Madison and Mike Bakken of Madison; 22 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren; two sisters, Lillian West of Oregon and Leona Theel of Fort Atkinson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hector; son, Donald; son-in-law, Ken Anderson ; niece, Toni Louise Anderson ; a sister, 7 brothers and her best friend, Harriet Jenks. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH, 5301 Commercial Ave with the Rev. John W. Grant presiding. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2008 at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Center 5203 Monona Dr. (608)221-5420