Monica's life began July 6, 1952, in Webster City, Iowa. When she was in high school her dad's job relocated the family to Michigan. They made their home in Hartford where she graduated high school. Monica worked at various places including the Boston Store but her longest and favorite place to work was for Watervliet Fruit Exchange. In her spare time Monica enjoyed crafting, making jewelry, and spending quality time with family and friends. Everything Monica did usually involved music from singing in Salem Lutheran's choir or having it playing in the background especially the Beatles, Frampton, and Hall & Oats.

Above everything Monica enjoyed spending time with her loving family which includes: two daughter Jessica (Tom) Gierach and Lindsey Brown; two grandchildren Shelby and Quentin Gierach; three siblings David (Dolores) Bakken, Maurice (Pam) Bakken, and Karen (Robert) Wallace; and several nieces and nephews.

Monica died Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville with her loving family at her side. She is preceded in death by her parents Wayne and Mardela "Mardy" (Warland) Bakken.

Funeral services will be celebrated Friday, October 10, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Church in Coloma at 11:00 AM with visitation prior starting at 10:00 AM. Hutchins Funeral Home is assisting Monica's family with arrangements and you may leave a message of comfort.