50th Wedding Anniversary

50th Wedding Anniversary: Leonard and Rita Bakken

[August 14, 2026] 

Congratulations to Leonard and Rita Bakken of Lincoln who are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary! Leonard Bakken married Rita Welch August 14, 1976 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lincoln.

They are the proud parents of Darren (Jamie) Bakken of Sheldon, IL; Betsy (Chris) Burgener of Moweaqua, IL; Jackie (Jeff) Jones of Beason, IL and Emily (Corey) Zelhart of Maroa, IL . They are the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren - Cecelia Bakken; Ty, Griffin, Cade, and the late Connor Burgener; Tanner, Gage, and Hattie Jones; and Carly and Ellie Zelhart.

Leonard graduated from Malta High School and served in the United States Marine Corps. Leonard is retired from AHW in Mount Pulaski. Rita graduated from Lincoln Community High School and is currently self-employed.

The couple had a wonderful celebration of their anniversary in June with a family vacation with their children and grandchildren. Congratulations on the beautiful life they have built!

[Provided by Betsy Burgener]

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