SAINT JAMES – Wayne Bakke passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on December 31, 2021.

Funeral service will be held at the Albion Lutheran Church, on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 1 – 2 pm prior

Visitation will be on Tuesday from 1 – 2 pm prior to the service at the church.

The clergy will be Pastor Robert Springer

Interment will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James.

Military Rites provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Wayne Bakke passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family

Wayne Bakke passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on December 31, 2021.

Wayne LaDale Bakke was born August 12, 1927 to Albert and Magnhild (Wiberg) Bakke in St. James, Minnesota. He was baptized on September 18, 1927 at LaSalle Lutheran Church. On August 30th, 1942 he was confirmed in his faith at First Lutheran Church in St. James. He graduated from St. James High School in 1945. He started farming with his father. On November 16, 1954 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii for 2 years. In 1957, he attended a dance at George’s Ballroom in New Ulm, Minnesota where he met the love of his life, Beverly Clobes. His dancing skills must have truly impressed her because not long after they were united in marriage on May 24, 1958 in Fairfax, Minnesota. They had 3 wonderful children and spent many years on the farm together as a family. For 50 years, Wayne milked dairy cows and raised hogs along with grain farming. He continued farming with his father and later with his son, Dean, until he was 89 years old. He still maintained his interest in the farm until his death. When Wayne was able to take a break from the farm over the years, he and Beverly took 12 trips around the country with other local people from the area. He very much enjoyed dancing old time dances and watching Bandwagon. Wayne was a member of the St. James American Legion, a former board member of the LaSalle Locker and a past deacon of First Lutheran Church in St. James. Wayne is survived by his wife Beverly (Clobes) Bakke, son Dean Bakke of St. James, MN; daughters, Karen (Michael) Bode of Bagley, MN, Janet (Michael) Chamberlain of Mankato, MN; sister, Marilyn Hudson of New Ulm, MN; grandsons, Roman, Alexi, and Kaylor; along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Virjene and her husband Roland Joblinske and brother in law Richard Hudson.