James M. Bekken
James M. Bekken passed away on Monday, May 3, 2010 at Rochester, MN, at the age of 61, following a courageous battle with Interstitial Lung Disease.
Funeral Services: First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, ND Date & Time: Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 2 PM Interment: Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford, ND |
Posted Condolences:
Name: Bill Anderson
Date: May 7, 2010
Message: Sandy and family,
Kathy and I were deeply saddened to learn of Jim's death. Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathy. I first met Jim in 1966, when he was a Freshman and I was a Senior at UND. We shared the bond of brotherhood and friendship as members of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. It was my great pleasure to be of assistance to Jim in the tough 1998 re-election campaign; to make our home his "home away from home" when on the campaign trail; and, to help re-elect one of North Dakota's finest judges to the bench. Jim was a good friend, a fine lawyer, an excellent judge and an outstanding human being. As a judge, his clear, concise and common sense judgments have brought peace to many disputes. His calm, compassionate presence in the courtroom will be missed by all who practice law in the Southeast Judicial District. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy and the rest of Jim's family as they mourn his passing.
Bill Anderson
Rutland ND
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Name: Dean Nelson
Date: May 7, 2010
Message: Dear Sandy:
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up with Jim in Stanley and was a Kappa Sigma with him. He was not only smart, but a caring, compassionate, and sensitive person...a great guy. While I have not seen him for many years I have thought of him often. Please know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
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Name: S/A Craig Zachmeier-BCI
Date: May 7, 2010
Message: I was and am deeply saddened to hear of Judge Bekken's passing. Through the years I have developed a professional friendship with Judge Bekken and a great respect for his belief of fairness,compassion,and honesty. Judge Bekken always served and instilled in me the importance of serving the public with the greatest integrity. I always knew who was in charge in his court room! My heart felt sympathy is extended to his immediate and extended family and friends-Craig
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Name: TERI BEHR (CORPRON)
Date: 05/07/10
Message: Sandy, Susan, Carol and families, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Whenever we happened upon Jim we would share fond memories of the Bekken/Corpron families during our Stanley years. May God's embrace comfort you during these difficult times.
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Name: Connie MacKenzie
Date: May 7, 2010
Message: With deepest sympathies to the family of a truly wonderful person. Judge Bekken was always approachable, pleasant and had a wonderful smile in spite of the many situations he had to handle in court. I enjoyed watching him work and also the conversations that we had before and after court had finished. I work as the Secretary/Legal Assistant to the Griggs County State's Attorney in Cooperstown. Judge Bekken will be greatly missed.
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Name: Cindy and Dan Irmen
Date: 5-7-10
Message: We, too, graduated with Jim in Stanley and lived near the family growing up. We're so sorry to all of you for the loss of such a great guy in every sense of the word. Our deepest sympathies to you all. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
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Name: Scott Heyd
Date: 5-06-10
Message: Sandy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I met him on the flight to Florence Alabama to see the Sioux football team play. We made some great memories and they continued on throughout the years. He truly was a wonderful man and will be missed. With our deepest sympathy, Scott Heyd and family.
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Name: Rick Johnson
Date: 5/6/10
Message: Sandy & Family: So sorry to hear about Jim. He was one of the friendliest guys I've ever met. It's been a tough year for the Class of '77. We will remember Jim in Sept. at the Reunion!
Rick & Virginia
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Name: Mary Sue Gray Simmerman
Date: 05-06-10
Message: Sue, Carol, and Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though we have been away from all of you , we still think of you often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Name: Barb & Michael Watson
Date: May 6, 2010
Message: My Dear Sandy and Family, We are so saddened by the passing of Jim. Several memories come to mind - first his beautiful smile and happy demeanor, second his love of people - Jim was always so positive. He enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family. And third, celebrating with he and Scott at the Pritchard wedding in Wisconsin two Mays ago. That night brought so much joy to all of us and our families laughed watching the Watson's and the Bekken's becoming "relatives" through marriage! Dear friends will always stay in our hearts! Sandy, your heart and love for Jim shines through his beautifully written obituary - what a testament to Jim! With our love Barb & Michael
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Name: Herb and Shirley Meschke
Date: 05/06/10
Message: Judge Bekken was a good and diligent jurist. We will all miss him, too. The judicial system will miss him greatly. sincerely, Herb Meschke, ND Supreme Court, retired.
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Name: Roger Breding
Date: May 6, 2010
Message: Sandy and family - You have my deepest sympathy on Jim's passing. Jim and I grew up together in Stanley and while it was a quite a while ago and we ultimately fell out of touch, I have always had a special place in my heart for both Jim and Sandy. Jim will be sorely missed - good people and good friends always are.
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Name: Michelle Pfeiffer
Date: 05/06/2010
Message: Sandy and Family,
No words can express how deeply saddened we were to hear about your loss. The last time I saw Jim was when we had our special meeting at church. It was such a pleasure listening to him speak whether it was at church or in the court room. May God's love surround you during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
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Name: Cathy Schlenker
Date: 5-6-10
Message: My only experience with Judge Bekken was when I accompanied a friend to a divorce hearing. I was very impressed with the straight forward way he dealt with the difficult situation. That day, he said some profound things to the couple and even told them that he was seriously thinking of making the parents come and go rather than making the kids get tossed back & forth. The lawyers objected, of course. Unfortunately, he did not do that. A while after that hearing, I happened to run into him in a store. I told him I appreciated how he handled that situation [which he remembered] & was very thankful for people like him on the bench. It was very obvious that he was genuine & caring as he dealt with individual concerns [I'm sure he saw "it all"]. What a huge loss to our local judicial system, but much more so, what a loss to his family and friends. I'm confident his impact & example left a wonderful legacy for all those who had the privilege to have known him intimately. My one time encounter with him, will never be forgotten. We need MORE judges of his character and caliber. He was taken way too soon! May God wrap His loving & comforting arms around his family for years to come.
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Name: Thomas Dejulio
Date: 5/6/10
Message: Dear Sandy and Family,
Your New York Kiwanis friends are deeply saddened by Jim's passing. His dedication to the Kiwanis ideals of service made him a citizen of the world. Rosemary and I will always remember the good times we had together, the joy of his smile, the treasure of his intellect, the comfort of his friendship and support. We will miss him by our side, but are consoled that he has a permanent place in our hearts as we do justice to his great legacy of serving the needs of others. Please be assured of our prayers for you and the family.
Tom and Rosemary DeJulio
Bronxville, New York
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Name: Heidi Koepplin
Date: 5/6/10
Message: Bekkens, We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Heidi and Leighton Koepplin
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Name: Jane Fargo
Date: May 6, 2010
Message: Sandy and family,
I graduated from high school with Jim. I am so sorry to hear of his death and hope you find comfort in each other and in the wonderful memories you all share. It was a thrill to meet his daughter a few years ago in Grand Forks at a party we were both attending. God bless you. Jane
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Name: Bob & Paulette Heringer
Date: 5/6/2010
Message: We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He married us in Harvey, ND 25 years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Name: Algina Norris
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Date: 5-6-10
Message: Well Jimmy...I know how much you loved those Viking+Favre = 2010...Well they didn't make it to the Superbowl this year....but Jim next year you will have the best view ..You will be watching them play from Heaven....Our loss is Heaven's Gain..You will be missed by many......Your friend and former classmate ( class of "66")Algina Helgeson Norris
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Name: Bill & Sandy Rudolph
Date: 05/05/2010
Message: We were saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Please accept our prayers of compassion and concern for the family.
Bill and Sandy Rudolph
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Name: Joan Halvorson
Date: May 5, 2010
Message: My deepest sympathies to the family of Judge Bekken. He was truly a good man with an awesome personality. He will be missed in Stutsman County District Court.
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Name: Phyllis (Lund)Iverson
Date: 5-5-2010
Message: My heart is so sad for Jim's family. He was such a good man. He was my first "serious "boyfriend when we were in 4th grade. Have seen him many times over the years and he never changed. Still that great guy he always was. God Bless you ,Jim. You will be missed.
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Name: Ric Hovda
Date: 5/5/10
Message: Jim was a childhood friend in Stanley, ND. He was smart, athletic, humorous, respected, and always a good friend. I remember sleep overs at his house, birthday parties, and playing ball. The last time I saw Jim was at a high school reunion and we had a wonderful conversation about life, learning and living. I always admired him and know that he leaves a rich and lasting legacy to his family, friends, community and profession. He will be missed!
Ric Hovda
San Diego, CA
Name: Zane Anderson
Date: May 5,10
Message: My deepest sympathy. I had the privilege of meeting Jim as a fellow judge. He was always outgoing and friendly and willing to share his wisdom and experience. It will just not seem right without his presence. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Name: Pastor Todd Olson
Date: May 5, 2010
Message: Sandy and family, My deepest sympathy to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers, here at Zion Lutheran in Mohall. May the Lord hold you in his mighty arms and grant to you peace, comfort, and hope.
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Name: Tim Ervin
Date: 5-04-10
Message: Jim was a friend of mine at UND when we were undergrads there in the late '60. I remember him as a great friend and an even better person. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I see from his accomplishments that he was a tremendous asset to his state and to his profession. I'm not surprised. I would have expected nothing less from such a fine person. My condolences to his family.
Tim Ervin, Riverton, Wyoming.
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Name: Jon Flatland
Date: May 4, 2010
Message: My thoughts and prayers are with you Sandy and family. Jim was a man of great character and integrity. He will be missed by all.
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Name: Brad & Sue Lodge
date: 5/4/2010
Message: Our sympathies and prayers to the entire Bekken family. Our thoughts are with you.
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Name: Rev. Gordon T. Bakan
Date: May 4, 2010
Message: Sandy, Our prayers are with you and your family. Jim was a good friend to me when I was serving the Evangelical Free Church there. He was the one who got me involved in Kiwanis, for which I am grateful.
Pastor Gordon T. Bakan
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Name: DeNae Kautzmann
Date: May 4, 2010
Message: Sandy and family,
You have my deepest sympathy. The last time I saw Jim he was so jovial and was looking forward to our law class reunion. We are all stunned by his death and we will miss him. He was a giver in life. My nephew had him as a judge in trial advocacy and he spoke highly of him because he took the time to really give valuable input to the students. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ~DeNae
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Name: Cindy (Hagen) Schuster
Date: 05/03/2010
Message: My sympathy and prayers are with you and your families. Jim is in peace with the greatest Father around.
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