Winston Backen

Winston "Win" John Backen, 83, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Fergus Falls, with family by his side.

Win was born February 26, 1942 to Roy and Bernice (Bjerken) Backen in Mahnomen, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen and graduated from Mahnomen High School. While growing up, he worked at the bowling alley, shoveled coal, and baled hay at a neighboring farm. He was soft spoken, easy mannered, and always felt he followed in his dad's footsteps.

He was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in the Vietnam War. Following the Army, he attended Moler Barber College in the Twin Cities. His first barbering position was at the Mug and Brush Barbershop in Minneapolis.

Win was married to Claudia Skunberg on September 7, 1968, in Erhard. Claudia and Winston lived in Minneapolis early in their marriage, then moved to Fergus Falls in 1970 to start a family.

Win enjoyed annual fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, duck hunting, yardwork, and watching the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Bison football. He also enjoyed camping, taking trips to Arizona with family, and an occasional trip to the casino.

He was a member of Kiwanis, the VFW, American Legion, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

He was the proud owner of City Barbershop on Main Street in Fergus Falls. His career in barbering spanned 30 plus years. It was said that he was a "magician" with the scissors in his hand. He knew all of his customers by name and enjoyed the friendships and connections that were made at his barbershop. Those who met Winston formed a special bond and quickly won the hearts of whom he met.

Win was not only a caregiver for his wife, Claudia, for 12 years; he also took care of his own medical needs. A kidney transplant, a gift of love from sister Debbie, helped him live well beyond the expected life of that gift.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Claudia; parents, Roy and Bernice Backen; brothers, Ronald Backen and Allan Backen; mother and father-in-law, Leonard and Ida Skunberg; brother-in-law, Lowell Skunberg, and son-in-law, Odin Beard.

Win is survived by his son, Craig (Kelly) Backen; daughter, Jill Beard; granddaughters, Brooke and Carly; two sisters, Marilyn (Ronald) Johnson and Debbie (Don) Haney; two brothers, David (Becky) Backen and Byron (Sheela) Backen, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are Win and Claudia's first friends in Fergus Falls, Jim and Barb, and long-time barber friend, Bernie.

Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Veteran's Home in Fergus Falls for their haircut account. Please make checks payable to the MN Veteran's Home and in the memo line, please list haircuts for residents.

Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Loren Mellum

Military Participation: Fergus Falls V. F. W. Post 612 and American Legion Post 30

Interment: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com