Claude Monroe Lakin 1928–2018

Claude Lakin, 89, of Bemidji, MN died Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. Claude Monroe Lakin was born October 6, 1928 in Sauk Rapids, MN to Leigh & Mary Lakin. He grew up on the family farm near Puposky, MN. He married Betty Pearson on March 15, 1946. They moved to Longview, WA in 1947 but came back home a year later because they were homesick. In June of 1948, they moved to the Iron Range where he worked in the mines. In 1951, Claude took a job in Gallup City, MT where he worked in the oil fields until 1953. When the oil industry slowed, they moved to out to Tacoma, WA where he worked as a carpenter. In 1960, they moved back to Nebish and bought the family farm from his father. They raised over 200 head of sheep and also pigs. During the next few years, Claude drove school bus for the Bemidji School District and plowed cable underground for Earl Dickinson and Bell Telephone. He was the Hill Manager of Buena Vista Ski Hill for several years. He served on the Nebish Township Board, on St. John's Catholic Church Board of Trustees, the Cemetery Committee, Church Council and the Finance Committee.

Claude loved being outdoors on the farm, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. In his later years, he moved to Baker Park where he was part of a "scooter gang" and enjoyed their companionship.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Gail (Bill) Dockendorf and Brad (Kathy Maki) Mistic; numerous great grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Julie) Lakin, Coeur D' Alene, ID; sister, Beverly Ruzicka, Puposky, MN; sisters-in-law, Lucille Neumann and Darlene Pearson; son-in-law, Andrew Mistic and his wife Deborah and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Stephanie Mistic; wife, Betty; 3 brothers and 3 sisters.