December 2022

Bruce Bakke, 72, of Truman died on December 4, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health System, Fairmont. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 10-11 a.m. at the Funeral Home, St. James where a service will be held at 11 a.m. The clergy will be Rev. Andy Hermodson-Olsen. Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James with military honors. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Bruce Alvin Bakke was born February 28, 1950, in Tyler to parents, Alvin Chester and Betty Irene (Kathman) Bakke. He was one of 12 children. Bruce worked for ST Industries for a time and loved doing things with his hands. Pool, darts, cribbage and cards were all favorite pastimes as well as fishing. He was a resident of Heartland - Truman Senior Living. He is survived by his mother, Betty Fischer; three children, Craig Bakke (Shannon), Barbara Breiberg and Brian Bakke; 10 grandchildren; one greatgrandson; siblings, Douglas Bakke, Patricia Matter, Steven Bakke, Katheryn Francis, Jeffrey (Jeannie) Bakke, Bradley Bakke, Curtis Bakke, Todd Bakke, Chad Bakke and Laurie (Richard) Williams; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bruce is preceded in death by his father, Alvin Bakke and sister, Brenda Quast.

Robert “Bob” Plath, 86, of St. James passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems - St. James. Visitation will be from 12 until 1 p.m. on Friday, December 30 at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. with Rev. Mandy France officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James. Online condolences may be made at www.SturmFH. com. Memorials may be directed to Augustana Lutheran Church. Arrangements under the direction of Sturm Funeral Home - St. James. Robert Paul Plath was born July 17, 1936, in Mountain Lake to parents Louis and Hertha (Neuman) Plath. He was one of five children. Bob was a member of the Army National Guard, as well as a member of the St. James American Legion. On August 15, 1959, he was united in marriage with Janet Larson. To this union two daughters were born. Bob was a proud member of the Watonwan County Sheriff’s department as well as a part-time police officer for the St. James Police Department for over 20 years combined. He was a hard-working laborer, working at Tony Downs and in his own construction business. Bob was a dedicated dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, taking the grandkids and great-grandkids hunting and fishing as much as he could. In his early years, he played slow-pitch softball. Bob will be remembered for his caring and kind demeanor, being the guy that would help anyone that was in need, and for always having a smile on his face. He will be missed by many friends, new and old. Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janet Plath of St. James; daughters, Kendra Plath of St. James and Karla (David) Hoelmer of Prescott, Ariz.; grandchildren, Andrew Farr, Melissa (Bobby) Farr, Ashlee (Spenser) Barton, Amber (Bobby) Reagles, Adam (Courtney) Hoelmer and Alexis Hoelmer; greatgrandchildren, Adrian Rodriguez-Farr, Kristina Murilla, Thorin Barton, Hailey, Alivia and Caleb Reagles, Harley and Axel Hoelmer; sister, Irene Hoehn; brother, Al