Robert B. Bakke

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Robert "Bob" Bruce Bakke, age 80, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Essentia Health in Fargo ND.

Robert, the son of Perry and Gladys (Lundberg) Bakke, was born on July 1, 1945, at home in rural Hitterdal, MN. He was raised on the family farm and attended Hitterdal High School, graduating with the Class of 1963. Following high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as an Electrician's Mate onboard the USS America CVA-66. After receiving his honorable discharge in December of 1965, he returned home and continued his education at Wahpeton Technical College, where he earned his electrical degree. In 1982, Bob was united in marriage to Diane Nelson. Together, they raised their beautifully blended family, creating a home rooted in love, hard work, and togetherness- or, as most people would say, chaos

Bob spent many years working in electrical construction, retiring from Modern Electric in 2008. Retirement did little to slow him down. He could often be found in his shop, happily tinkering and fixing nearly anything that needed repair while listening to the MN Twins or Vikings games. With creativity and skill, he enjoyed turning old items into something new, crafting everything from mower parts to furniture pieces. He also found joy in the great outdoors, tending to his yard and vegetable gardens, hunting, and fishing. A talented craftsman, Robert made one-of-a-kind fishing spears. He had a special love for his dogs and spent countless hours with his faithful companions; Rex, Duke, Bella, Rosco, Oscar, and Charlie. Some of his favorite moments were simply heading out to the shop and enjoying a cold beer with "the boys", Duke and Rex. When not outside, Bob enjoyed playing solitaire and watching old-time westerns.

Quiet by nature, Bob was known for his gentle humor. He loved joking with those close to him, often creating nicknames and playful rhymes as a self-proclaimed poet. Even as his health declined and his eyesight failed, Bob continued to spend time in his shop and enjoyed helping his children with projects, treasuring the simple joy of being together. Bob will be remembered for his ingenuity, his level-headed and steady presence, his quiet wit, and the deep love he held for his family and his dogs.

Bob is survived by his wife, Diane; four daughters: Trisha Bakke, Jenilee (Jason Manning) Bakke, Tabitha (Randy) Kraft, and Vanessa (Joe) Fabre; three sons: Robert Bakke, Blaine (Rachel) Bakke, and Brandon Bakke; three step-sons: Jeremy, Travis, and Jesse Blakeway; two brothers, Wayne Bakke and Gary (Connie) Bakke; one sister, Jocie (Bob) Herzog; nine grandchildren: Ryder, Jaxon, Brooke, Adelyn, Bethany, Emmitt, Jayden, Khloe, and Felix; seven step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Michelle; and siblings: Donna Yarbrough, DeVaughn Kolke, Gene, Clyde, and Roger.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:30am, with visitation 1 hour prior, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Interment will be held at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND at a later date.