John Bakke

John Albert Bakke was born June 1, 1931, in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. He passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 79. He was a longtime resident of Red Wing, Minnesota.

John served in the US Navy from 1952-1955 aboard the USS Tarawa cv-40 as an aircraft mechanic. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Navy Occupational Medal while in the service. John loved his country and was very proud to serve. A longtime member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV and Wildlife League, John loved to live life to the fullest in everything he did. Married to Marilyn Opsahl in 1956 they had two children, Sue (Jim Gerdes) and Tom (Katie Becherer). John became a firefighter with the Red Wing Department in 1959 and retired in 1986. John loved what he did. He was a friend and neighbor to all and will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Mabel Bakke and two sisters, Joanne Seely and Dyllis Gunter.

Survived by loving wife, Marilyn Bakke; brother, Jim Bakke; children, Sue Gerdes and Tom Bakke; grandchildren Josh Vonch, Matthew Sloan and Tanner and Kiersten Bakke.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Red Wing, on Thursday, Sept.30, with Reverend Dave Jore officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Vonch, Matthew Sloan and Tanner and Kiersten Bakke. Burial will be directly following the service, at Oakwood Cemetery, and reception will be held at the American Legion after the burial. Any memorial donations are of donor's choice. John will be remembered and revered in the hearts of us all.