1940 – 2020
Rose Dorothy Bakken passed away at the Seasons Encore, Olds on Sunday December 20, 2020 at the age of 80 years.
She was born February 6, 1940 in Bellevue, Alberta to Slovakian Roman Catholic parents John & Helen Funfer. Rose was the seventh child in a family of nine. Their home was in Bellevue right beside the Crowsnest River at the base of Turtle Mountain. She completed her Grade 10 in Bellevue then went to work with her sister Margaret in Pincher Creek as an operator with AGT at the age of 16. When she was 20, she met and married Gerald Bakken, a gas plant worker. They were married November 25, 1961 and had two children James and Timothy. The family moved from Pincher Creek to Edson then to Olds in 1966, where Gerald worked at the Olds Gas Plant. They moved to a farm near Olds in 1968.
In 1974, Gerald decided to full time farm with Rose’s support and did so for the next 44 years. Rose enjoyed reading novels and gardening. They took several trips in their four seat private airplane visiting the east, west, north and south coasts of North America and many points in between. Gerald and Rose enjoyed 20 years of heading south in their RV to Arizona plus many summer trips with the grandchildren in the RV. Rose devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and also helping out the odd time at a garden seed plant and a dress shop.
During the busy season farming, she provided many memorable meals to the fields and on festive occasions she would prepare and serve delicious meals that would be enjoyed by her family and friends. Rose had a deep love for her family and siblings. She will be sadly missed by all.
Rose will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 59 years, Gerald; sons James (Susan), Timothy (Peggy); grandchildren Kyle, Alexandra, Jimmie and Katie; brothers Ben, Steve and Rudy Funfer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and good friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Helen & John Funfer; sisters Eileen, Anne, Margaret; brothers Joe and John. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a service may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of choice. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
