Paul Christian Bakken

Paul Christian Bakken, age 88, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025. Born on August 16, 1937, in Hammond, Indiana, he was the eldest son of Alex and Dagmar Bakken.  He was a member of the Portage High School graduating class of 1955.
Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He worked at Bethesda Naval Hospital and the National Institutes of Health.
Later, he followed his passion for food and hospitality by founding Sans Rival Caterers, where he shared not only his exceptional culinary talents but also his gift for creating memorable experiences. Through his work, Paul had the honor of serving at many notable events, including receptions at Washington, D.C. embassies and the Vice-Presidential residence.
A man of deep faith, Paul was a devoted parishioner of the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., where he made his home and spiritual community for more than 60 years. He served a meal to the less fortunate in the surrounding community weekly on Mondays for many years at his own expense.
Paul's devotion extended to his beloved American Standard Poodles—Andy, Cobi, Damita, Dante, and Dazzle—whose companionship brought him immeasurable joy. He was preceded in death by his father, Alex Bakken; mother, Dagmar Jasper; stepmother, Velma Bakken; sisters, Mary Crowe and Ruth Lesinski; brothers, Dave Carmichael and Ray Carmichael and special friends, Gene Stanford, Bobby Ortegon, Julio Santos and Fred Paras.
He is survived by his brothers, Cliff Bakken and Bob Bakken; his sister, Nancy Martin; and by many friends who were truly family. Among them are David Cruz, a loyal employee and friend whose family became like Paul's own, as well as Dale Thomas of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, and Helena Gordon Moser of Paw Paw, West Virginia, who have been cherished friends since their days as residents at the Hamilton Arms in Georgetown.
Paul will be remembered for his generosity, steadfast faith, remarkable talents, and the warmth he shared with all who knew him.
A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, Maryland.
For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed at: LiveStream

Donations in lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Cathedral of St Matthew of the Apostle Monday Morning Ministry.

https://www.stmatthewscathedral.org/outreach/mondaymorning