WALLY ACHEN

Wally Achen, 82, of Baudette, Mn., passed away Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at his home.
He was born Oct. 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 then moved to the Baudette area in 1940 and continued farming.
Wally graduated from Baudette High School in 1943. Following high school, he entered the U.S. Navy and served 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 1963-83, 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 handyman.
He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years and a member of the First Lutheran Church for 51 years. Wally also 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 Oct. 2, 1995 at Knox United Church in Emo, Ont. They lived part-time in Emo and in Baudette for five years, until moving back to Baudette in 2000.
Wally was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Ellen (Halbakken) Achen in 1993; and brothers, Walter, Roger, and James Achen.
Survivors include his wife, Lou (Seed) Achen of Baudette, Mn.; daughters,Vicki Blake of Baudette, Mn. and Cindy (Bob) Stoeckmann of Baudette, Mn.; and son, Brian (Kim) Achen of Baudette, Mn.
Also surviving are his sister, Lois Achen of Baudette, Mn.; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; four step-children, Gordon, Gail, Linda, and Diane; and 10 step-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006 from 6-8 p.m. at the Helgeson Funeral Chapel in Baudette.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Baudette, with a visitation one hour prior to the funeral in the church.
Military honours to be conducted by the Baudette Veteran Ceremonial Squad.
Interment to be in Elm Park Cemetery in Baudette.