November 8, 1924 – Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Service Information
Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN
Saturday, March 21, 2015
10:00 A.M.
Visitation Information
Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN
Saturday, March 21, 2015
9:00 A.M.
Lester Clinton Bakke, age 90, passed away on March 17, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 8, 1924 in Morris, MN to Hjalmer and Marie Bakke, who immigrated from Norway in 1907.
Hjalmer and Marie came in to Philadelphia and went to Morris, MN where they farmed and raised a large family of which Les was child number 13. Les attended Morris Schools, and at age 18 he joined the US Navy and proudly served his country during World War II.
Lester Bakke and Ruth Skrein were married in June 1947 and they were blessed with five children. In 1958, they moved to Buffalo and bought the Buffalo City Bakery; and in 1967, they sold the bakery and Les and Ruth worked at Holmquist’s. Ruth Bakke passed away on December 1976.
Les Bakke and Helen Sellin were married in 1980. They enjoyed many trips to Norway and enjoyed visiting relatives and friends. They also traveled all over Florida, the west coast, Branson, and their favorite was a bus trip to New York and Washington DC.
The first nine years of Les’s retirement from being a baker, he enjoyed being a Wal-Mart greeter. A highlight for Les and his family was his 90th Birthday Party that many family and friends attended. He felt honored that so many people came to celebrate.
Les is preceded in death by his parents; siblings; first wife, Ruth; son, Kenneth; and great-grandson, Matthew Trigg.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Helen; daughter, Cindy (Bob Gustafson); son, Keith; daughter-in-law, Barb; daughter, Leslie (Leon) Trigg; daughter, Kristen Bakke; and three step-daughters.
Les was proud of his 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and attended many different sports activities while in good health.
Cindy, sorry you lost your dad. He seemed like a nice guy.
Steve Jeske, Class of ’66
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Les was such a kind man. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Bakke Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Les was a wonderful man, he will be missed by all. You all truly were blessed to have such a wonderful father. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow. Sending my prayers to all of you. God Bless. Rita Quigley(Galvin)
Thinking of you and your family, Kristin, and sending oodles of hugs. I’m so sorry for your loss.
To the entire Bakke family; What a truly great man Les was and this must leave such a void for all of you. No one will ever be able to replace his smile and kind way. “You cannot lose someone when you know where they went.” Hugs to you all, Nancy
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bakke family during this difficult time.
So sorry for your families’ loss. Uncle Les was the best. I will see him again in the Kingdom of God. Praying for comfort for all the family.
Condolences Helen and family…..
Cindy –
I’m so sorry that you lost your Dad. The changes in one’s life are very difficult to deal with.
Augsburg was a lifetime ago!
Sending my condolences to your family as you say good bye for now to your dad, husband, grandpa. I appreciate the early mornings he gave to the community for so many years to feed us his treats, and for bringing good people into the world as his children and those who come later as grands. You who survive Les are no strangers to loss and grief – may your journey now be gentle and know many others care for you.