Ruth Bakke

Ruth M. Bard Bakke, 99, lifelong resident of Duluth died on Sunday April 15, 2018 at the Solvay Hospice House.   She was born on April 13, 1919 to Theckla and Victor Bard, their 6th child.  She graduated from Central High School in 1937.  She attended State Teacher’s College and later graduated from UMD.  She was united in marriage to Harold Albert Bakke at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1958.  She taught elementary grades in Duluth for 37 years retiring in 1979.  She taught the blind and visually handicapped for 9 years.  She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran church where she was baptized and confirmed.  She transferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church when it was formed in Lakeside.  When she moved to St. Ann’s she transferred back to Gloria Dei.  She belonged to the Duluth Area Teacher’s Association, Lakeside Chapter of the Eastern Star, White Shrine, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority and the 20th Century.  She volunteered at Kids Closet, gift shops at Lake Shore Lutheran Home, St. Ann’s, and Telecare. For 15 years Ruth called St. Ann’s Residence home.  Ruth’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you for those 15 years of care and companionship.  A special thank you to Solvay Hospice House for their compassionate care of Ruth.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband in 1994, parents, sisters Florence Whitehead, Charlotte Bard, Hildur Hedstrom, and Clarice Johnson, brother Gordon Bard, nephews Richard Bard, Robert Johnson and Daniel Johnson, and a niece Anne Marchand.

Ruth is survived by nieces JoAnne (Burt) Wymond, Gayle (Randy) Duncan, Carol (Douglas) Haglin, and Debra (Steven) Boyette, nephews Roger (Linda) Bard, Thomas Hedstrom, Jack (Gail) Hedstrom, Howard (Bonnie Gay) Hedstrom, Bruce (Terry) Johnson, Bruce (Dorothy) Bachke, Jeff (Shelly) Bachke and Kevin Freegard, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10AM until the 11AM Funeral Service in St. Ann’s Chapel on Saturday April 21, 2018.  330 E. 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805.  Burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805.  218-727-3555.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Ann’s, 330 E. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55805, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 219 N. 6th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55805, or the Kids Closet, 2431 W. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55806.