Duane Bakke Honored for 26 Years of Service with Distinguished AMC Award

By Zech Sindt

Fillmore County Commissioner Duane Bakke was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award on December 10, 2024, during the annual conference of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). This honor, presented to only four individuals this year, recognizes Bakke’s extraordinary contributions to public service during his 26 years as a county commissioner, and his leadership as a whole in the state of Minnesota.

Representing District 4 since 1998, Bakke has been a vital part of Fillmore County’s governance, leaving behind a legacy of service, innovation, and collaboration. His passion for public service began in his youth and has fueled a lifetime of dedication. “It’s going to sound kind of sappy,” Bakke shared, “but back when I was in seventh grade, one of my teachers told us that every one of us owes at least six years in public service. That really stuck with me. I volunteered a lot, and I was part of the first class that didn’t get drafted into Vietnam. When I think of all the people who gave their lives or served to keep us free, I felt six years isn’t enough to pay back their sacrifices.”

Bakke’s tenure has been marked by a series of transformative achievements for Fillmore County. “As a commissioner, one of our biggest accomplishments was securing the State Veterans Home and the Veterans Cemetery in Preston,” Bakke said.

In addition to his work for veterans, Bakke spearheaded efforts to modernize county government. “Another major accomplishment was restructuring departments and department heads,” he explained. “We created the Land Use Department, added a finance director, and combined public health, social services, and veterans’ services into a single community services department.”

Bakke’s leadership also extended to zoning and infrastructure improvements. “We helped continue to modernize and upgrade zoning ordinances,” he noted. “We also completely redid the courthouse building, built another office building, overhauled how we managed our solid waste department, and converted our compost shed into a highway shop. The list goes on and on, with the jail renovation currently in progress.”

Bakke’s work hasn’t been limited to internal operations. His efforts with AMC have had a far-reaching impact, benefiting all 87 counties in Minnesota. In 2011, he served as AMC president, advocating for policies to improve county governance statewide. He has also held numerous other leadership roles within AMC, including district chair and policy chair.

Despite these achievements, Bakke’s journey has not been without its challenges. He said personnel changes have been one of the most significant hurdles he’s faced. “Over the years, we’ve had to navigate shifts in generational expectations,” he said. “Younger people entering the workforce have different priorities — they want more flexibility and opportunities to work remotely. That’s been a big adjustment.”

Bakke says the board has met these challenges head-on by embracing innovation. “We’ve overcome personnel issues by offering more flexibility in the workplace and providing more technology to employees,” he said.

Bakke’s roots in public service run deep. Before his time as commissioner, he was a leader in agriculture, serving with the Pork Producers at local, state, and national levels. “I started with the Pork Producers in the 1980s,” he recalled. “In 2000, I was elected state president, and I even joined Governor Ventura’s agriculture commissioner on a trade mission to Tokyo. It was an incredible experience that shaped my understanding of leadership.”

Locally, Bakke has contributed to numerous boards and committees, including the Planning Commission, Local Government Water Roundtable, One Watershed, One Plan, the Fillmore County Historical Society, Lanesboro Area Community Foundation, and is currently on his 46th year of managing the Lanseboro Softball tournaments. His commitment to community engagement is reflected in his hands-on approach. “I spend a lot of time responding to people, participating in meetings, and having conversations,” he said. “If somebody asks me something, I make sure to respond as soon as I have the information they need. I always get back to them.”

As Bakke accepted the Distinguished Service Award, he expressed gratitude for the many people who have supported him. “There have been lots of challenges, and I’ve just learned to deal with them as they come up,” he said.

Looking ahead, Bakke’s legacy will continue to shape Fillmore County for years to come. His dedication to service, commitment to collaboration, and passion for improving the lives of others set a high standard for future leaders. “My time in public service has been challenging but rewarding,” he said.