Gene Roger Bakke

Gene Roger Bakke, 78, of Bemidji died on July 26 peacefully at his home with his family present.  He was born November 3, 1945 in Bemidji, MN to John and Annie Bakke.  He grew up in Bemidji and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1964.  He then attended Bemidji State University.  

He met the love of his life Rosemary in June of 1970 through a friend and chased after her daily, though he would say she chased him, until they were married 8 months later on February 6, 1971. He knew she was the one. Gene had a very successful career working as the Material Control and Production Manager for Ford Motor Company in St. Paul for 31 years.  He and Rosemary lived in Apple Valley and Blaine until 2000 and raised their two kids Eric and Nicole.  In 1999 Gene retired and he and Rose moved back to Bemidji and built their retirement home on Lake Plantagenet.  

When Gene wasn’t working he enjoyed golf, bowling, softball, hunting with his son and buddies, lake time and fishing with his family, and cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events (even through COVID he figured out how to live stream it). Some of Gene’s biggest lifetime accomplishments were bowling four perfect 300 games, a hole in one, and shot his age multiple times in his 70s.

Gene was witty and liked to have a good time with others.  He enjoyed playing cards and games.  Socializing with others was a top priority for Gene after retirement.  He’d often be found on the phone chatting with friends or family and giving his advice, whether it was asked for or not! He was always willing to help people out.  He was known as “Bak” to many of his friends who have described him as a man admired for his grace and dignity.  

Gene was always a man with a plan. Once he set his mind to something he didn’t quit until the job was done. Gene was a helpful community member.  He coached many of his kids youth teams, taught Sunday School, was an active member of the church, donated blood, worked on the township board, served as president of the golf club, and volunteered to help seniors with taxes for many years.

Above everything else, family was very important to Gene.  He was a loving husband, leading father, and supportive grandfather.  He was a mentor.  He would ask, “What did you learn today?” and if you responded with, “Nothing” he’d say, “Well then, you wasted a day.”  He earned the title from many as “Favorite Uncle”.  He was a role model patriarch that showed us what the true meaning of family is, giving his support and advice to help the next generation.  

Gene will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for the people he surrounded himself with and would lend a helping hand whenever needed.  His handshake was better than a contract and he led his life with honesty and loyalty.  As Gene would say, “Bye for now”.  

Gene is survived by his wife Rosemary (Schrunk) Bakke; son Eric Bakke; daughter Nicole (Jason) Cook; grandchildren Kayla and Carter; sister Joan Bakke and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents John and Annie Bakke; half-sisters Ruth Synder and Violet Christensen; brothers Myron Bakke, Larry Bakke, and John Bakke; sisters Bea Ernst, Annette Hoisve, Carol Boese, and Shirley Wood.

A celebration of life will be held at Bemidji Town & Country Club on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 1:00-5:00 pm. Dedication will be at approximately 3:00pm.   

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Sanford Bemidji Hospice or Calvary Lutheran Church. 

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