Dianne Bernadette (Lais) Bakken, 70, of Stanton, ND, passed away on December 26, 2022, at her home.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at 10:00 AM CST on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the Stanton Civic Center, Stanton, ND. A livestream of the service will be availabe below.
Dianne was born in Garrison, ND, on October 10, 1952, to Myles (Mike) and Bernetta (Bernie) Lais. She was the third of six children, weighing only 3 pounds and 4.5 ounces at birth. Myles, for the first time ever, removed his wedding ring upon seeing his precious baby girl, placed it on her arm and slid it up to her shoulder. She was a mighty little fighter who grew up to be the most wonderful woman.
She was raised in several northern states, MN, SD, WY, WA and finally settling in ND as her father worked construction. She loved living out at her grandparents, Christ and Regina Engel’s farm in Garrison, ND. Finally in 1969 she settled her roots in Stanton, ND.
Dianne shared many memories with family and friends, but her fondest memory was in 1970 when she met her “Knight in Shining Armor,” Danny Ray Bakken. On May 28, 1971, she married the love of her life. She never left his side for 52 years. They shared a once in a lifetime kind of love, from a little house in Garrison, ND, to later settling back in Stanton, ND. It was here that they started their family. She gave birth to a precious baby boy, Christopher Ray Bakken, on February 5, 1973, and on April 20, 1976, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Cindy Bernetta Bakken. Her babies meant the world to her, and she would have done anything for them. She showed this by being an outstanding mother, not only to her own children, but to many others. Her heart was so big as Chris and Cindy could always count on her to be the ‘classroom mom” at school. She never missed a sporting event, and she was their biggest cheerleader. From childhood to adulthood she praised, nurtured, and supported her children. Her family was her world whom she loved unconditionally always and forever.
Back in the day, everyone in Stanton named their cars, because that’s what you did. Dianne enjoyed many adventures in her car she named, “Melbob”. She always got excited when it came to playing cards, or rolling dice for money. She enjoyed being a blackjack dealer and hitting those casinos, cha ching! One of her proudest moments was when she received her GED from the Dickinson Public School Adult Education Program on May 15, 1991. Dianne was a bright light in this world, a loving Auntie, blessed Godmother, and great friend. She liked to do crafts, spend time with family and friends sipping coffee, and just enjoying the chit chats. Dianne was a good sister and she always told them, “sisters are forever and I’m so glad you’re mine”. She was thoughtful, spirited, spunky, fun and our little lady. She was a beloved wife, loving mother, and the world’s sweetest grandmother and great grandmother. Her favorite times were spent around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. From playing board games to having late night chats, her door was always open no matter the time of day or night. If you called, she was there to listen, if you were hungry, she was there to make you a sweet treat. She had such a caring heart for everyone. She was an encourager with an infectious smile, but most of all, she always had a warm and loving hug for everyone. It was said that if you became her friend, you were a friend forever.
Dianne will forever hold a piece of our hearts and be great missed by her loving husband, Danny Ray Bakken; son, Christopher (Laura) Bakken; daughter, Cindy ( Duran) Sailer, all of Stanton, ND; grandchildren, RaeAnne Sailer, Brooke Sailer, Ashley Sailer, Shanna (Brandon) Meier, Winter Bakken, Duran “Little D” Sailer, Dannilyn Sailer, Roberta Lincoln, and Ashley Olander; great grandchildren, Thielen Meier and Sequoia Meier; brother, Dale (Wendy) Lais of Big Lake, MN; sisters Jane (Neil) Leinius and Barb (Rick) Leinius all of Bismarck, ND; brothers-in-law, Terry (Laurie) Bakken of Garrison< ND and Randy (Mellisa) Bakken of Minot, ND; sisters-in-law, Joanne Kelly, Fargo, ND, Diana (Dean Zuraff) Bossert, Mandan, ND, Bonnie (Myron) Harsch, Coleharbor, ND, Linda (Ron) Kendall, Big Lake, MN, Judy Bakken, Fairdale, ND; two special aunts, Juanita Grosz and LaVern Knutt of Oregon; along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, all of whom she loved early.
Dianne was preceded in death by her father, Myles Lais; mother, Bernetta Lais; father-in-law, Gilman Bakken; mother-in-law, Isabell Bakken; brother, Raymond Lais; sister, Cindy Lais; brothers-in-law, Larry Bakken, Jim Bakken, and Jerry Bakken; sister-in-law, Darlene Bakken; uncles, Elmer Engel and Duane Engel; aunt, Shirley Toole; and beloved nieces and nephews.