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Richard Bakke Obituary
1949-2015
Richard "Rick" Harold Bakke age 66, peacefully passed away on January 31, 2015.
Born January 20, 1949, in Minneapolis, MN to Theodora and Elmer Bakke. He graduated in 1967 from Roosevelt High School and graduated with a degree in Business from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
Rick moved to Houston in 1974 from Minneapolis, MN and on August 4, 1979, he married the love of his life, Jeana. They made home Atascocita, Texas, where they raised their two daughters, Randi and Katie.
He was very passionate about his family and friends. Rick loved all his girls and grandchildren, and he always took care of them. He was an avid sports fan. He attended a countless number of Texas Tech football games, as well as any sport that had a referee. Hockey was his passion but later he became an avid golfer who enjoyed playing with his friends as much as he did the game. Living in a house with women, he never hesitated to consult his daughters for fashion advice on and off the golf course, traveling and attending functions.
Rick was Director of Operations for Houston's division of Birmingham Rail and Locomotive headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
Survivors include wife, Jeana Bakke; daughter, Randi Bakke Rhone (Troy), Birmingham, AL; daughter Katie Bakke Rice (Chase), Katy, TX; Grandchildren Jolie (7) and Jordan Rice (4); Shepherd (3) and Ella Jane (2) Rhone. Silblings Coralyn Oxenham, Sarasota, FL; Rodger Bakke (Nancy), Minneapolis. Rick was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Rick's life will be held at Atascocita United Methodist Church in the Wesley Sanctuary on Saturday February 7, 2015 at 10 o'clock in the morning.
Rick was the salt of the earth. He never met a stranger and his cup was always half full. In lieu of flowers, we simply ask you to "Make it a Rick Day". Wake up with a smile. Be a positive light to someone during your day. Leave a big tip for everyone. Help a stranger in need. Treat your friends to a round of golf and simply enjoy life!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bakke
John Enger
March 31, 2015
I heard about Rick's passing just today, I am deeply saddened. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family and his many friends whom I'm sure will all miss him greatly. Rick and I grew up on the same block in South Minneapolis just houses apart, we knew each other from very early childhood. I knew his entire family, Elmer, Babe - his mom, Rodger and Coralyn extremely nice people, we were close. I will miss Rick, but of course I will think of him often, and everyday "IS a Rick Day". To the Great times we had, I offer a toast. Respectfully.
March 4, 2015
I am so sad to hear about Rick. We did not hear about his passing until late. I have many memories of great times skiing in Colorado with Rick. Our thoughts and prayers our with you and your family.
Bob, Lori, and Amy McKee (Retterath)
sheila gordon
February 9, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found at 1Thessalonians4 14 can bring you some comfort knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
United Nations Lines
February 6, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tom & Renee Manuel & Keone
February 6, 2015
We were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. Our thoughts are with Jeana and the girls. I met Rick through Doug Michaelis and we were best men at Doug and Becky's wedding. Although I didn't see Rick often, he was always friendly and upbeat. I will try to "have a Rick Day" tomorrow, although I know he was much better at it that I am!
Phil McDonald
February 6, 2015
I just heard this sad news today and will be unable to attend tomorrow. I was lucky enough to run into and spend some time with him twice in January at some rail industry events. I enjoyed our semi-shared Minnesota roots, his awesome tales,his continually sunny disposition and good nature. He will be missed greatly by his colleagues in the rail industry. I can think of no better goal in life than having a "Rick Day". My deepest condolences to the Bakke family.
February 6, 2015
Rick,
You went to school with me from elementary thru college. You lived with me and worked with me at the VA.You will always be a huge part of my life.
Linda and I were looking forward to being with you on the 26th of this month. You, Jeana and family will be with us that day and the days to follow for the rest of our lives. Thank you for the beautiful memories.
Love Greg & Linda Bruestle
Bill Fraser
February 6, 2015
To all the Bakkes,
Rick was instrumental on the Board of running our yearly charity golf tourney at Del Lago every October.
Through this work we became good friends.
No one is or was as solid as Rick. No one ever matched Rick's enthusiasm. No one ever matched how quickly Rick was to smile. No one ever volunteered as quickly as Rick.
We will all strive to 'Make it a Rick' Day...not just now, but as a way to live our lives forward...
We will not miss Rick as much as the family will of course, but there will forever be a hole in our tournament and in all of our golf games. We will toast Rick yearly...his name will live on in our tourney.
We will miss him tremendously.
We will pray for the strength that the family will need.
Bill Fraser
Cindy and Bill McCune
February 5, 2015
We will miss you Rick.
Cynthia Galbraith
February 5, 2015
Jeana, Randi, and Katie,all of your families are in my prayers. May God wrap you in his loving arms and comfort you
February 5, 2015
You are all in our heart and prayers. Our deepest sympathy. Don and Linda Boyd
Rose D
February 5, 2015
You have my deepest sympathy in the death of your love one. May the God of all comfort, comfort the family in this difficult time. 2Con 1:3,4
Tom Taff
February 5, 2015
You will be missed my friend Happy Trails Roosevelt H S class of '67
Pat Hall
February 5, 2015
I remember watching Rick play hockey for Roosevelt. He was always an encouraging voice.
February 5, 2015
Deepest sympathy at the lost of your loved one.
Houston, Texas
Doug "Stanley" Michaelis
February 4, 2015
Rick and I were best friends. Grade school, Jr High, HS and college roommates. Best man in our weddings. What a sudden and unexpected loss! I spoke to him by phone on Jan 19th and we had planned his visit to Tucson in February. He was such a positive influence in my life and made me a better person. As I go forward, Rick will continue to be a guiding light. So many great memories and I had been looking forward to so many more. Now I will have to settle for cherishing those great times we had together.
Jeana, Randi and Katie, I will look forward to a big hug from each of you when I see you at the Memorial Service this coming Saturday in Houston. I am sorry for your loss, I know you will miss him dearly.
Jack Reilly
February 4, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to the Bakke family. May God's everlasting light shine upon him. From a 1967 Roosevelt High School classmate.
February 4, 2015
Vernon and I extend our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you, Jeana...Randi and Katie. May God immerse you in His peace, mercy and grace. Love, Kathy and Vernon Lewis
Rita Cooper
February 4, 2015
Deepest condolences and prayers for peace and comfort from all of your friends at Canterbury Day School in Birmingham. May God's love and grace surround you at this most difficult time.
Sally and Lawrence Lehnert
February 4, 2015
Rick was a fantastic human being! He was full of joy, laughter and excitement. He made everyone who met him feel positive. We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by so many. The world is a better place because he was in it . Prayers for the entire Bakke family.
February 4, 2015
Leigh and I are so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks when I think of his passing. Rick obviously touched many lives and loved his girls beyond measure. What a great legacy he leaves behind. Jamie and Leigh Hubbard
Susan Harris
February 4, 2015
So very sorry for your loss, Jeana, Randi & Katie. Rick was such a shining light! May God Bless you and keep you full of his wonderful memories! Love & prayers for you!
February 4, 2015
Rick was a wonderful man...everytime we were around he and Jeana we left in such a positive place...thank you and God Bless. You will be missed.
Prayers to your entire family.
Becky and Michael
February 4, 2015
Rick you left us to soon. I had great times playing hockey with him when we were kids.
February 4, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Terri Pennington
February 4, 2015
Dear Jeana, Randi, Katie, and Families...What a lovely tribute to a wonderful husband, father, friend...may you find peace and comfort in Rick's legacy and love. You all are in my heart.
Janet Rudd
February 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. From a RHS classmate.
Nelda Roessler
February 4, 2015
Jeana, Randi & Katy, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
February 4, 2015
Rick never met a stranger and he will be missed by all. He was such a loving husband and father and always so good to all of his friends.
Everyday will be a "Rick" day!
Kurt and Cathy Kincaid
Ellen Floody
February 4, 2015
Rick was very special to me. He was my classmate in high school. Never did a day go by that Rick wouldn't great you with his bright smile and make your day. I am so sorry for your loss and it will take too much time to heal. My thoughts are with you. Rick's friend
Peter Agre
February 4, 2015
Growing up together, it was always clear that Rick would become a gentleman of the finest sort. A jock without swagger, his smile always lit up the room. Thanks for the memories, Rick.
Nancy and Donald Lande Dow
February 3, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. What a wonderful and caring person he was. He truly will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Jane thebo
February 3, 2015
Rick sounds as wonderful as his brother, Rodger! Jane Thebo, GNReSound
February 3, 2015
So sad to hear about Rick. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rick was always one of the most decent guys. So glad I was able to see him at the last reunion.
Sandy Karos Nokleby
Ronnie & Shawn Davis
February 3, 2015
"Make it a Rick Day", How fitting!
Jeana, Randi & Katy our prayers are with you and your families. May the Lord hold you in his arms.
Steve Griffin
February 3, 2015
If I'm guessing, that picture of Rick was taken before, after or during a wedding. I've never heard of anyone going to more weddings than Rick. If I could I would put a big Double T over that tie & color everything red and black because there was never a Red Raider that was a better Red Raider that was not a Red Raider, if you know what I mean. Rick on gameday was something to see. Rick's good friend Herman Jordan introduced me to Rick at a Tech game. Before long I introduced them both to the McCauleys of Lubbock and not too long after that they knew everyone in Lubbock County and were tailgate royalty at any Tech game they attended. I'm sure all of Lubbock mourns as they are unlikely to see another like Rick in those parts anytime soon.
Affectionately known as "Monster" (the name of his unusually large putter) and also "Mr. Happy" (for obvious reasons)I can honestly say I've never met a more upbeat and positive human being. This occasionally could be irritating as family & friends may realize. I recall a particularly galling Texas Tech defeat and, of course, he was looking at the bright side and trying to make sure we did too. I wanted to clock him, but I just hugged him instead.I'm sure going to miss that Titantic jolt of positivity and enthusiasm you could always count on from Mr. Happy.
Jeana, Randi & Katie I don't know you like I knew him, but it was obvious to me that his priority was you guys. He could make friends with the best of them, but at the end of the day it always came back to you. I can't imagine your feelings right now, but please know this: your husband and father impacted countless lives in a good and positive way in a manner that is rarely seen. It's my hope that when it's my time to go Rick will be there to great me. God Bless you all & God Bless the Monster!
Your friends in El Paso,
Rooti, Kim & Ian Griffin
C.J
February 3, 2015
My deepest condolences to Family and friends, May the true God comfort your broken hearts and heal your pain Psalm119:50,76
Jody McCauley
February 3, 2015
May you feel the warmth of the sunshine upon your face and a gentle West Texas breeze Saturday as I pop a beer Rick left in the frig to celebrate with you a wonderful man. A stranger, he knew none. a smile and hug he gave often. my heart and prayers are with all of you!
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