Phyllis Betty Lou Bakken, age 96 of Monticello, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025. She was born in Minneapolis on June 25, 1928 to Wesley and Irene (Moe) Shaw.

Phyllis was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and was a member of the choir.

Phyllis graduated from North High School in Minneapolis on June 14, 1946. She was a member of the Girls Athletic Association after school hours. She and her sister liked going to roller derby and spending time at Fairview Park. She spent a few years living in California with her friend Beatrice. When returning to Minnesota, Phyllis worked at Honeywell and Warner Hardware.

In 1962, Phyllis met Owen Bakken and they were married on November 2, 1963. They were blessed with a son, Bruce Bakken.

Phyllis spent many years working at the school as a teacher assistant in Headstart, student monitor at lunch and on the playground, and a TMH Aide that she worked as for 23 years before retiring in June of 1994. She enjoyed working with children.

Phyllis was a faithful member of Community United Methodist Church in Monticello where she taught Preschool and Sunday School classes.

She enjoyed ice skating, roller skating, bowling, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She never missed her granddaughter’s softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and band events; often chaperoning for many of the band events.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Owen Bakken; parents, Wesley and Irene Shaw; and sisters, Janice Campbell, Lucille Steere.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Bruce Bakken; granddaughters, Stephanie (Quinn) Gudex, Kayla (Ricky) Devine; great-grandchildren, Lily and Mika Gudex, Rowan Talerico; and other loving family and friends.

“What a blessing! God has been good to me!” ~Phyllis Bakken

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM, with visitation one hour prior, at Community United Methodist Church, 9225 Jason Ave NE, Monticello, MN. A private family burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Monticello, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.