Walter Vernon Bakke, age 84, of Hudson, WI, died early on November 12, 2011 at his home in Hudson.

Walt was born on November 24, 1926 to Oscar and Inga (North) Bakke in Hammond, Wisconsin.  The seventh of eight siblings, Walt grew up on the family farm in Hammond and attended school in Baldwin.  After graduating from Baldwin High School in 1945, Walt joined the US Marine Corps.  He was stationed in San Diego, CA and served until 1947.  Upon completion of his time in the Marines, Walt returned to Hammond.  On August 28, 1947 he was united in marriage to Helen Snyder of Baldwin.  The marriage would be blessed with four children.  The Bakke family settled in St. Croix County and made their permanent home in Hudson in 1951.  Walt began a job as a milk hauler for Ed Mayer Company.  He did this until 1973 when he began his career at Andersen Windows working on the assembly line.  Walt would work at Andersen’s for 16 ½ years retiring in 1989.  Walt spent his retirement visiting with friends and family as well as traveling.  He and Helen enjoyed trips to Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.  He also spent time outdoors working on his vegetable and flower garden.  Walt was always excited to spend time with his grandkids and cheer them on in whatever sports they were involved in.

Walt was a hard-working and dedicated man.  He put forward 140% effort to anything he was involved in and his good work ethic was an example to those he worked for and with.  His customers and co-workers always looked forward to working with him when he was around.  Walt had many passions with sports being one of the biggest.  He was a “number one” Packer fan and followed the green and gold  through thick and thin.  He was also a baseball fan who cheered loud and proud for the Brewers.  He admired the skilled players and the natural talent.  His main sports dedication was to his children and grandchildren.  He could always be found cheering for them at every event he could make.  Walt had an unconditional love for his family and friends and took great pride the legacy he leaves behind.

Walt is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen; children, Clifford (Pamela) Bakke of Hudson, Susan (William) Smith of River Falls, Judith (Steve) Shafer of Frederic and Lisa (Thomas) Rose of Hudson; grandchildren, James Bakke, Lyle Bakke, Angela (Bruce) Whitaker, Jesse Smith, Kara Dahm, Allen Dahm, Kelsey Dahm, Ian Dahm, Jeremy (Candy) Rose, and Thomas Rose Jr; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jason Rose, Mason and Morgan Smith and, Anja and Allie Whitaker; siblings, Hazel Stinson, Doris Ramberg, Corrine Wogan; sisters-in-law, Maxine Bakke, Charlene Snyder, Mary (Jim) English, and Shirley McKercher; brother-in-law, Dick (Barbara) Snyder and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  

Walt is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Inga (North) Bakke; brothers, Howard, Gordon, and Lyle Bakke and sister, Marian Olson.

A funeral celebration of life for Walt will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Ave. in Hudson, Wisconsin.  Burial will follow at the Willow River Cemetery.  Visitation will take place for 1 hour prior to services as well as from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, November 15 ALL AT THE CHURCH.  Memorials given will be donated to the Adoray Hospice and the First United Methodist Church in Walt’s name.