Helen Claire Bakke (nee: Snyder), age 86 of Hudson, WI, passed away on February 15, 2016 at the Christian Community Home following a brief illness. 

Helen was born on April 10, 1929, the daughter of Jerry and Ruth (Braemer) Snyder in New Richmond, WI. She attended grade school in Boardman and graduated from Baldwin High School. On August 28, 1947 she was united in marriage to Walter “Walt” Bakke in Hammond, a marriage that would be blessed with four children: Clifford, Susan, Judith, and Lisa. The Bakke family settled in St. Croix County and made their permanent home in Hudson in 1951. Helen worked as a waitress and also assisted in the kitchen at the Hudson Middle School.

Helen and Walt spent their retirement visiting with friends and family as well as traveling. The couple enjoyed trips to Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. They also spent lots of time in their vegetable and flower garden that produced the vegetables that Helen canned every year. She took care of many of her grandchildren and cheered them on in whatever sports they were involved in. Helen was a very active and involved member of the Hudson United Methodist Church; volunteering with the Lunch Bunch, Joy Fellowships, and in the kitchen. She found relaxation in watching the birds.

Helen is survived by her children, Clifford (Pamela) Bakke of Hudson, Susan (William) Smith of River Falls, Judith (Steve) Shafer of Frederic, and Lisa (Thomas) Rose of Hudson; grandchildren, Jay Bakke, Lyle (Laura) Bakke, Angela (Bruce) Whitaker, Jesse Smith, Kara Dahm, Allen Dahm, Kelsey Dahm, Ian (Sarah) Dahm, Jeremy (Candy) Rose, and Tom Rose Jr; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jason Rose, Mason and Morgan Smith, and Anja and Allie Whitaker; siblings, Mary English, and Dick (Barbara) Snyder; sisters-in-law, Shirley Snyder-McKercher and Charlene Snyder; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Walt; parents, Jerry and Ruth (Braemer) Snyder; brothers, Howard and David Snyder; sister, Jeanne Afdahl; and brother-in-law, Jim English.

A funeral celebration of life for Helen will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 27, at the Hudson United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Ave. in Hudson. Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 pm Friday, February 26 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S 11th St., Hudson, and one hour prior to service at the Church. Interment at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Memorials given will be donated to Hudson United Methodist Church in Helen’s name.