Helen R. Bakkom

On March 9, 2007, surrounded by her loving family, Helen Rosella Bakkom, age 83, made the journey to join her loving Savior. Helen was born to Hilmer and Liada (Holen) Hooverson on May 10, 1923 in Vernon County, Wisconsin. On June 27, 1944 she married Mahlon O. Bakkom. Together they operated a mink ranch in rural Viroqua. Mahlon passed away on May 8, 1981. Helen and her son Richard continued operating the mink ranch until 1989. Helen had a passion for flowers, a love for gardening and treasured family get-togethers. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Helen is survived by two sons, LaVerne (Linda) Bakkom of Pewaukee, and Richard (Sharon) Bakkom of Viroqua; two daughters, Shirley (Earl) Buros and Mary (Craig) Martin both of Viroqua; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren; three sisters: Mildred Zitzner, Myrtle Yanske, and Matilda Fortun, all of Viroqua; two brothers: Selmer "Sam" (Barbara) Hooverson of Beloit and Kenneth (Shirley) Hooverson of Viroqua; one sister-in-law, Goldie Hooverson, and one brother-in-law, Calvin Thompson; as well as other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by five sisters: Jane Thompson, Harriet Briggson, Stella Sheldon, Selma Froiseth and Hazel Gabrielson; five brothers: Clifford, Otis, Raymond, Marvin and Clarence Hooverson; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastor Kathryn Ingbritsen will officiate with burial in the East Zion Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 West Decker (Hwy 56) in Viroqua and at the church on Monday after l:30 p.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral home of Viroqua is serving the family.