Armand Backen

Armand Backen, age 69, of Mankato, died on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at his home. A private family service will be held. A reception and time with family will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army and the MSU Men's Hockey Association.

Armand was born on March 24, 1939 in Mahnomen, MN to Joseph and Alma (Nelson) Backen. He grew up in Two Harbors and worked on the ore boats on Lake Superior. He was united in marriage to Emily Dahlberg on May 28, 1969 in Duluth. He lived in Duluth, Virginia, MN, and Mankato. Armand served in the US Navy from 1956-1960 and served on the USS Wisconsin and the USS Des Moines. He was a boiler operator for ADM for many years. He was a member of the Steelworkers Union Local 13241. Armand enjoyed time with family and friends, hockey, farming, "b.s.-ing", making fish cakes, attending the Buffalo Round Up every year in the Black Hills, and his grandchildren, Couper and Hixie.

Armand is survived by his wife, Emily of Mankato; son, Allen (Michele) Backen of Sturgis, SD; two sisters, Marlene Bergman of Two Harbors and Joanne (Jack) Mattila of Eveleth, MN; brother, John (Mary) Backen of Two Harbors; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandpa and grandma Nelson, grandpa Backen and mother-and father-in-law.