Obituary for Wally Achen | Helgeson Funeral Home, Roseau, MN
- Date Of Death: November 5, 2006
- State: Minnesota
Wally Achen, 82, of Baudette, died, Sunday, November 5, 2006 in his home. He was born October 20, 1924 in Ottertail County to Charles and Emma (Bates) Achen. Wally was raised in rural Fergus Falls, MN on the family farm. The family moved to the Baudette area in 1940 and continued farming. Wally graduated from Baudette High School in 1943. Following high school he entered the US Navy serving during World War II until its conculsion. Wally returned to the Baudette area following the War and worked on the farm during the summer and logging during the winter. He married Ellen Halbakken on April 2, 1955 in Rothsay, MN and they lived on the Baudette farm. From 1963 to 1983, Wally also worked as a custodian at the Baudette School, while still maintaining his farm. In 1978, Wally and Ellen moved to town and managed the Northwood Commons. Wally had a passion for woodworking and being a jack of all trades made him a great handy man.
He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years and a member of the First Lutheran Church for 51 years. Wally was a very dedicated family man. Some of his hobbies included woodworking, hunting, and playing cards.
Following Ellen’s death in 1993 he chose to quit farming. He later met and married Lou Seed on October 2, 1995 in Emo Knox United Church in Emo, Ontario. They lived part time in Emo and in Baudette for five years until moving back to Baudette in 2000.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ellen (Halbakken) Achen in 1993; his brothers, Walter, Roger and James Achen.
Survivors include his wife, Lou (Seed) Achen of Baudette; his daughters,Vicki Blake of Baudette; Cindy (Bob) Stoeckmann of Baudette; his son, Brian (Kim) Achen of Baudette; his sister, Lois Achen of Baudette; eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren; four step-children, Gordon, Gail, Linda and Diane and ten step-grandchildren.