Sharlene McIlwain

Sharlene Renee McIlwain was born January 3, 1957 in Detroit Lakes, MN the daughter of Enoch and Darlene (Christensen) Bakken. She passed away Saturday January 27, 2018 at Bethany of 42nd Nursing Home in Fargo. She grew up in rural Audubon on a farm and graduated from Audubon High School.  After school she started working in the grocery store business where she worked in Ada, Colorado Springs, and the Red Owl in Detroit Lakes.  Sharlene moved to Fargo and worked for the Fargo Forum for over 20 years.  After leaving the Forum she started a cleaning business which she ran until her illness. She enjoyed cooking, baking, arranging flowers, decorating, and attending family events and reunions. Sharlene also enjoyed caring for animals and her pets. She is survived by her siblings: Linda Somerville (Jeff Klobuchar) of Audubon; Steve (Karen) Bakken of Clearwater; Deanna (Tim) Schons of Detroit Lakes; Paul (Char) Bakken of Detroit Lakes; Lisa Small of Detroit Lakes; nieces and nephews: Blake Bakken, Darcy Weideman, Denise  VonNiederhausern, Dawn Heide, Jesse Schons, Alysia Schons, Carrie Santiago, Heather Larson, Leah Restad, Michelle Bakken, Patrick Bakken, Wesley Bakken, Megan Small, Mark Small; special friend, Dan LeRoux. Sharlene was preceded in death by her parents: Enoch and Darlene Bakken; nephew: Joey Bakken; great-nephew: Reese Larson and great-niece: Hudsyn Larson.