Einar Bakke, 95

Einar Thorell Bakke, 95, died December 4, 2008.

Einar was born December 18, 1912 in Gibbon to Jens and Mary (Loftness) Bakke. He was raised in Gibbon and in 1921 he and his family moved to a farm at Kensington.

On June 13, 1942 Einar was united in marriage to Ione Torgeson at Wennesborg Lutheran Church in Solem Township. The couple made their home in Kensington. In 1943 Einar joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Seabees. He helped construct airbases throughout the South Pacific for the next four years. In 1946 Einar returned to Kensington and was blessed with two children, Keith and Kathy.

Einar began working for Collins Construction out of Fargo, ND where he operated heavy equipment. Einar and Ione moved to Fargo in 1964 and in 1974 Einar retired from Collins Construction. In 1976 the couple returned to Minnesota and lived in a home they built on Oscar Lake. Einar lived on Oscar Lake for the next 32 years.

Einar loved fishing, both in the summer and winter. He recently bought an ATV so he could get to the lake a little easier and spend more time fishing. Family and friends were the most important to Einar. He loved to host get-togethers and loved visiting with others. Einar was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a current member of the American Legion and a lifelong member of Solem Lutheran Church at Kensington.

His wife, Ione, and seven brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

Einar is survived by his son, Keith Bakke and wife, Jan, of Stillwater; his daughter, Kathy Dunlap and husband, Tad, of Coon Rapids; four grandchildren, Lori Picotte and husband, Miles, Tim Dunlap and wife, Cindy, Jason Lee Bakke and Angela Bakke; two great-grandchildren, Jana and Jessica Picotte; many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Monday, December 8 at Nora Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Elaine Leone as officiant. Interment followed at Solem Lutheran Cemetery at Kensington. Casket bearers included David Moe, Richard Duncan, Tom Green, Gary Olson, Curtis Johnson and Kenneth Woodle.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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