Rodney Dale Bakke was born March 30, 1939 in Alexandria, MN the son of Clifford and Frances (Loch) Bakke. He was raised in Alexandria where he graduated from Central High school in 1958. Rodney went to technical school for two more years to become a mechanic.
In 1960 Rodney was married to Martha and the couple was blessed with three children. Rodney worked as a truck mechanic in St. Paul for Columbia Transit and Standard Spring. He later worked for Midway Ford.
In 1974 Rodney was united in marriage to Darlene Kosky. The couple lived in St. Paul and later moved to the Brainerd area where he owned and operated three different resorts. After selling the resorts Rodney moved to Alexandria in 2004.
Rodney enjoyed deer hunting and loved the time he spent at his brother’s cabin. He was an amateur coin collector and also collected model cars. Rodney liked to take trips to the casino and liked playing pull tabs. He was a member of the Eagles Club and Elks Club. He was also a member of the Machinists Union. Rodney was also a sports fan and an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings. If asked if the Vikes are going to win, or any other pertinent question, Rodney will tell you clearly “I don’t have a clue”.
On Friday, January 2, 2015 Rodney died at the age of seventy-five years. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, David Bakke and Scott Koran; brother, Raymond Bakke; and sister-in-law, Leta Bakke. Rodney is survived by his wife Darlene Bakke of Alexandria; sons, Brian Bakke of St. Paul, Kevin Bakke of St. Paul, Larry Koran and wife, Judy, of Stillwater, MN, Donald Koran and wife, Cathy, of Cottage Grove, MN, Kenneth Koran of St. Michael, MN, and Terry Koran; daughter, Beverly Jo Krystofiak and husband, Terry, of Harris, MN; sixteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; brothers, Duane Bakke of Alexandria, Al Bakke and wife, Diane, of Alexandria, Richard Bakke and wife, Cathy, of East Bethel, MN; sister, Cathy Miller and husband, Dennis, of Denver, CO; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, January 9, 2015 at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church. Reverend Denise Croskey will officiate. Honorary pallbearers are all of Rodney’s grandchildren. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church.
Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.