Burnell Bakke

Burnell T. Bakke, 87, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, November 3, 2008, at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. He was born July 30, 1921, in Aastad Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the son of Thorvald and Alma (Thompson) Bakke. He was baptized and confirmed at Aastad Lutheran Church. Burnell grew up across the road from School District #118, a one room school house he attended through the eighth grade. On March 12, 1943, he married Ruth Lucille Miller at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. They resided on the family farm until 1973 when they moved to Ten Mile Lake. He and Ruth became members of the Pioneer Retirement Community in 1998. His life’s occupation was being the best farmer one could be with blessings given. He and Ruth farmed together the Bakke farm south of Fergus Falls, first managing a dairy, beef, hog and grain farm until he sold his animals in 1956, and continued to raise crops until 1975 when he retired from active farming. He continued to “check” on his fields as often as possible, and was filled with joy to see his land prosper as others farmed his acres. His entrepreneurial spirit continued as he invested in hotels, restaurants, and various rental properties. While he farmed he was the American host father to ten students of the University of Minnesota Agriculture Department Exchange Program, for whom he has stayed in contact with throughout his lifetime, including several trips to see students in their home countries. In his later years he was an avid whist, bridge and pinochle player. In the past weeks, Burnell has recalled his very full life and shared that he had no regrets, giving constant thanks for the blessings he received from the Lord. Preceding him in death were his wife, Ruth; his parents; a sister, Avis Bach; and four brothers-in-law, Andy Miller, Victor Erlandson, Herb Bach and Densmore Brewster. Survivors include his children: David (Debbie) Bakke of Loretto, Elaine Bakke (Larry Paulsen) of St. Cloud, Daniel (Barb) Bakke of Randall, Brian (Lynn) Bakke of Fergus Falls, and Bradley (Lori) Bakke of Edina;11 grandchildren, David (Natasha) Bakke Jr., Christina Bakke, Lisa (Jeff) Wilson, Ryan Bakke, Ben Bakke, Ian Bakke, Dana Bakke, Gina Bakke, Denise Bakke, Nick Bakke, and Alek Bakke; three great-grandchildren, Jack, Olivia and Yuri; two brothers, Donald (Alice) Bakke of Barrett, and Warren (Elizabeth) Bakke of Fergus Falls; two sisters-in-law, Gladys Erlandson of Edina, and Pearl (Rev. Ham) Muus of Grand Marais; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Paul Nelson Interment:  Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Pioneer Retirement Community. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com