Randy J. Bakke

Randy James Bakke, of Moorhead, MN passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his wife and daughters, after a battle with brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

Randy was born on May 12, 1951 in Bagley, MN.  He grew up on a farm in Gonvick, MN, with his 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Randy’s work ethic was a testament to his upbringing and something to be admired. He believed in always working hard for what you wanted and doing service for others.  After high school, and 2 years at a vocational tech school, he started his career in the gas pipeline industry where he worked his way up to foreman. After 26 years, he decided to switch careers and started working for Moorhead Public Service, where he stayed for 16 years until his retirement in 2013.  This career allowed him to stay active and spend his days outdoors as well as meeting so many people in the community.

On a spring day in 1972, Randy was cruising the streets of Gully, MN, when he saw a beautiful girl sitting on the steps near the park. He stopped and asked if she wanted to go for a ride.  Nine months later, they were engaged.  He married his sweetheart, Beth, on March 2, 1974, in Gully.  The epitome of a “man’s man”, Randy was always outnumbered by women in his household – even every dog they owned was female. He had three daughters, whom he loved dearly, and was a constant source of strength for his family. He always knew the answer to every question and could fix anything. He stayed busy with endless projects, from building a playhouse to dorm room lofts. He set a very high bar for their future husbands to meet.

His greatest title in life was Papa, or Cuckoo Papa, as his grandkids lovingly called him.  Papa was the perfect combination of silly and loving to his 6 grandkids.  He could often be found wrestling on the floor with them, playing outside, tickling and making them giggle endlessly.  After three daughters and three granddaughters, he was blessed with his first grandson on his 60^th birthday.  Throughout his illness, his grandchildren brought him so much support, comfort, and joy.

Randy made an impact on all who knew him.  His wit and sarcasm were so finely tuned that even his wife of 45 years never fully caught on – which he enjoyed tremendously.  His smile and laugh could light up a room. Randy always took care of those around him, whether that was his family, neighbors or co-workers. He was always thinking of others and would come to anyone’s rescue as soon as he was called. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting trophy bucks. In his retirement, he could be found “up north” at his hunting land almost every day working in the woods, building deer stands, checking his trail cameras and spending time with his siblings and their families. Randy prided himself on “never losing a dollar on a sale”. He could find a good deal anywhere on anything, only to turn it around for a profit later.  He took pride in taking care of everything he owned. His home, vehicles, tractors etc. were always in mint condition. He loved supporting high school sports, even if he didn’t have a connection to anyone playing on the team. Spud hockey was his favorite and he never missed a home game.

Randy will be missed greatly by his wife, Beth; his daughters, Michelle (Jamey) Pesek, Moorhead, Kristi (Adam) Beadling, Rochester, and Marie (Chad) Wimmer, Waconia; grandkids, Matjea (17), Chloe (12), Aubrey (11), Lennon (7), Brooke (4), and Caden (5 months); siblings, Mervin (Lynette), Wayne (Kathy), Bruce (Judy), David (Renae), Norman and Brenda (Rick) Skarison.  He is reunited in Heaven with his parents, Melvin and Helen, sister Judy, friends and many family pets.

A special thanks to all of Randy’s doctors at Mayo Clinic and Roger Maris Cancer Center throughout his treatment process. The last few weeks of his life he was cared for by the doctors and nurses in the Palliative Care Unit at Sanford Broadway.  Thank you to all of the staff there for their tremendous care and compassion that they showed both Randy and his family.  In his final days, he was under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley who never left our side on his final day to make sure both he and his family were comfortable.  He was truly loved, cared for, and admired by all who met him.

The celebration of Randy’s life will start with visitation from 12-1 P.M. on Monday, March 11, 2019 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Moorhead.  The funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00.