Gerald “Jerry” Bakke

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 6:00 pm

Gerald “Jerry” Maynard Bakke, age 82, of Mabel, Minn., formerly of Canton Minn., died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at the Green LEa Senior Living in Mabel, Minn.

Jerry was born June 29, 1941, in Amherst Township to George and Blanche (Nelson) Bakke. He grew up in the Mabel area where he was a mechanic at several places including the Standard Station, Webb Gas Station, and Mabel Motor Sales, was co-owner of L&J Auto Sales, and managed the Farm Service Gas Station. He later worked for POET in Preston, Northern Engraving in Spring Grove, Featherlite in Cresco, and Walmart in Decorah.  Jerry had also been a bus driver for the Mabel-Canton School District, a member of the Mabel Fire Department, and the Mabel Ambulance Service. He had been married to Diane Peterson and later Kim Prestby Wangen.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and watching NASCAR.

Jerry is survived by two sons: Troy (Tricia) Bakke of LaCrescent and granddaughter Brooke of LaCrosse, Wis., and Stacey (MariLyn) Bakke of Preston, Minn.; and granddaughter Rebecca (Jake) Prinsen of New Richmond, Wis.; great grandson Luke and another great grandson due in March; granddaughter Samantha (Fiancé Jeff Carstens) of Hugo, Minn.; three step-children: Kristi (Peter) Elsbernd of Calmar, Iowa, granddaughters Ashley, Kendra, and Addison, and grandson Blake, Lucas (Jessica) Wangen of Acworth, Georgia and grandson Carson, and Michele (Tyler) Wheaton of Ft. Meade, Maryland; his siblings: Norris (Beverly) Bakke and Curtis (Mary) Bakke both of Mabel, Minn., and Shirley Kimball of Canton, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Wallace and John.

Special thanks go to his neighbors, all the staffs in the Oncology Dept. at Gundersen Medical Center, Caledonia Care Center, and Green Lea Senior Living.

A celebration of life is from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the American Legion Post 299 in Mabel, Minn.