James "Jim" Bakeberg

James "Jim" Bakeberg, 86 of Watertown, SD passed away Monday, December 30, 2024 in Sioux Falls, SD
Memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on January 11, 2024 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown with a visitation one hour prior to the service.
Burial will take place at a later date at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Odessa, MN
James Roger Bakeberg was born along with his twin sister on May 5, 1938 to Delmar and Margaret (Kamin) Bakeberg in Ortonville, MN.
Jim was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He attended school in Ortonville, MN and was drafted into the US Army in 1961. He was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.
Jim married Gloria Hecht in 1961. To this union three children were born; Jodie, Greg and Karmen.
Jim worked at the Big Stone Cheese Factory, Watertown High School and many years at Dakota Poultry in Watertown. His last job was doing janitorial work at the Watertown Social Security office.
In 1987 Jim met Esther at The OK Corral after a night of dancing. Jim and Esther married on July 27, 1991 and spent nearly every weekend dancing at the Palomino. Dancing was a joy for Jim and Esther.
In 2020 Jim entered Meadow Lake Assisted Living in Watertown where he enjoyed going on many walks, sometimes walking as far as 6 miles. Due to declining health Jim entered the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD in August of 2024 until the time of his death.
Jim is survived by his wife, Esther; his children, Jodie (Jerome Vanloh) Laun, Brookings, SD, Greg (Jean) Bakeberg, De Pere, WI, Karmen (Harold Bury) Wiesinger, Watertown, SD; his six grandchildren, Matt, Jake, Stephanie, Jason, Amber and Austin; five great-grandchildren, Autumn, Jordon, Blake, River and Brooklyn; his sister, Manell (Pete) Peterson, Leesburg, FL; brother, Gene (Carol) Bakeberg, Forest City, IA; his nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by Esther's children, Theresa (Todd) Pekelder, Watertown, SD, Tanya (Bob) Evans, Oregon; 19 step-grandchildren and 10 step great-grandchildren; and his childhood lifelong friend, Bud Cornelisen.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister, Jane in infancy; his brother, Dale; stepson, Joe Crane; and niece, Nicole Cornelisen.
The family would like to thank Meadow Lake for the amazing care they gave "JB" for the past 4 years. Their care and compassion were greatly appreciated. Also, thank you to the Sioux Falls VA for the wonderful care during the last 5 months and the heartfelt and honorable salute at the end of his life.
Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel serving the family ~ www.wightandcomes.com