Gerald “Jerry” Maynard Bakke, 82, of Mabel and formerly of Canton, died Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel.
Jerry was born June 29, 1941, in Amherst Township to George and Blanche (Nelson) Bakke. He grew up in the Mabel area where he was a mechanic at several places including the Standard Station, Webb Gas Station, and Mabel Motor Sales, was co-owner of L&J Auto Sales, and managed the Farm Service Gas Station. He later worked for POET in Preston, Northern Engraving in Spring Grove, Featherlite in Cresco, and Walmart in Decorah. Jerry had also been a bus driver for the Mabel-Canton School District, a member of the Mabel Fire Department and the Mabel Ambulance Service. He had been married to Diane Peterson and later, Kim Prestby Wangen. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and watching NASCAR.
Jerry is survived by two sons Troy (Tricia) Bakke of La Crescent and granddaughter Brooke of La Crosse, Wis., and Stacey (Mari Lyn) Bakke of Preston and granddaughter Rebecca (Jake) Prinsen of New Richmond, Wis., great-grandson Luke and another great-grandson due in March, granddaughter Samantha (fiancé Jeff Carstens) of Hugo, Minn.; three step-children: Kristi (Peter) Elsbernd of Calmar, Iowa, granddaughters Ashley, Kendra and Addison, and grandson Blake, Lucas (Jessica) Wangen of Acworth, Ga., and grandson Carson, and Michele (Tyler) Wheaton of Ft. Meade, Md.; his siblings Norris (Beverly) Bakke and Curtis (Mary) Bakke, both of Mabel, and Shirley Kimball of Canton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Wallace and John.
Special thanks go to his neighbors, all the staffs in the oncology deptartment at Gundersen Medical Center, Caledonia Care Center and Green Lea Senior Living.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.