Elroy Bakke
October 10, 1940 ~ December 19, 2020
Elroy Vernon Bakke, 80, of West Fargo, ND, entered eternal life peacefully on December 19 , 2020, at Bethany on University, surrounded by family.
He entered this world on October 10, 1940, in Fargo, ND, to Elmer and Vivian Bakke. Elroy grew up in Hickson, ND and attended Fargo Central High School. He joined the Air National Guard. He then went on to marry the love of his life Ina Hermunslie on August 6, 1966. Together they raised their daughter Lisa.
During his life, he worked as a diesel mechanic at General Diesel & Equipment, Fargo and Cass County Equipment, Kindred and the Fertilizer Plant at Comstock,MN. His hobbies were playing whist, dominos, pinochle and may trips to the casino.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ina Bakke of West Fargo, ND, daughter, Lisa Olson, and 3 grandchildren; Ames Olson, Rhett Olson, and Haley Olson, of New Brighton, MN. His four sisters; Loretta Carlson, Fargo, ND, Kay (David) Mahar, Hickson, ND, LaRue Flaa, Moorhead, MN and Gayle Brueske, Shakopee, MN and a brother Gary Bakke, Minot, ND. In addition, a brother-in-law Alton (Sue) Hermunslie, Abercrombie, ND, sister-in-law MaryAnn (Ray) Johnston, Antioch, CA, and another sister-in-law Elaine (Richard) Ista of Abercrombie, ND as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Vivian (Poehls) Bakke, brother-in-law, Ray Carlson, brother-in-law Steiner Flaa and brother-in-law, Larry Brueske. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Beverly and Delano Myron. Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Harold and Esther (Hagen) Hermunslie.
A special thank you for the love and care of the staff at Sanford Hospital, Bethany Homes Univ., Hospice of the Red River Valley, and Boulger Funeral Home.
No services are planned at this time. Final resting place will be Bethany Free Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Abercrombie, ND.
Ina, Lisa and family,
So very sorry with the passing of Elroy.
A lot of wonderful memories.
Love and hugs.
Stuart and Pat
Remembering Uncle Elroy on this day. You always looked like, Elvis, to me!
Ina and Lisa so sorry for your loss of Elroy he was a great guy had many good memories with him and also with you Ina playing cards and having a lot of good laughs Lisa remember the good times our thoughts and prayers are with you
Ina and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Elroy was my first boss at General Diesel and under his mentor ship I learned so much about the industry and the equipment. He truly got me started in the right direction. But beyond that he was truly appreciated and friends with all who worked with him. No doubt he was very good at what he did and worked very hard. I would see him from time to time in the barbershop so it was nice to say hello and catch up. Again, sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you family at this time.
Ina and Lisa. So very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be i my prayers. God bless and He will get you through this very sad time.
I worked with Elroy at General Diesel. He was always there to lend a hand if I had a car problem. I never had to worry when he repaired my car. He always did a first rate job. My prayers go out to you all at this difficult time.
Ina and Lisa we are so sorry for the loss you are experiencing right now. Always remember the good times and the memories that will be with you for a lifetime . Hugs , love and prayers to the both of you.
Jerome and Sandy
i will always remember the times we had together hunting ,working on the farm and playing cards. you will be missed more than words can say.
Elroy is home for Christmas!
If Rick and I had a nickel for every card game we played with Elroy, every laugh we shared – we’d be rich. Wait! We are rich – we are rich in blessings and memories of Elroy. Pinochle and all kinds of card games, dominoes and so much more. Sometimes for New Year’s Day we would have Elroy and Ina over and do a ‘game day’ all day. We will miss that. I added one of my favorite poems for Elroy. God Bless and enjoy the angels!
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.
Into the shadows where we could confide.
Away from the bustle where all the day long
I hurried and worried when active and strong.
I needed the quiet tho at first I rebelled
But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld.
And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things
Tho weakened in body, my spirit took wings.
To heights never dreamed of when active and gay
He loved me so greatly, He drew me away.
I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,
But a beautiful valley of blessings instead
A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.
It was with a very heavy heart we heard about Uncle Elroy. So many good times on vacation and the holidays…definitely will be missed. Our hearts go out Ina and Lisa….
Three years to the day my Dad (Stenny) passed away. I know Elroy and Dad are having a great visit!
We will miss playing games and cards. We always had so much fun when we had Christmas at your house.
Love, Nancy (your flower girl)
At an office break room at the VA, A fairly young VA work-study listened to Ina speak of Elroy in passing conversations over coffee. It was evident that Elroy completed her life, the “other half” of a most wonderful person that Ina is. I hope God will grant Ina and all Elroy’s loved ones comfort during this trying time.
Dear Ina and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Elroy, and our hearts just ache for you. We have such good memories of our visits with you and Elroy over the years – always so friendly and fun! Ina, I can’t think of you without thinking of how beautifully you have always sung the song “Until Then.” I pray that the words of that song will bring you comfort through your tears. “This troubled world is not our final home.” ❤️
With our love and prayers,
Tim and Evonne Viland
My condolences to you, Ina, and your family and friends on the loss of Elroy.
Bev Woitzel VA Hospital
Ina and Lisa, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how important he has been in your lives. He will be missed so very much. 🙏💕. If I can get an address I’d like to send a card and memorial to your family. Maybe Lisa can message me on Facebook. Bless your hearts. Barbara D. Larson Johnson. “Barb”
Ina, Lisa and family, so sorry for your loss…He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ina and family – My condolences to you. I hope the memories you’ve gathered during the past 54 years bring some comfort during these difficult days.
Ina , Lisa and family,
My condolences to all of you during this very difficult time of remembering and celebrating Elroy’s life on earth. He is with his maker so he is still watching over all of you. May God wrap you all in a big Bear Hug.
Prayer of Protection
The light of God surrounds me,
The love of God enfolds me,
The power of God protects me,
The presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is.
My deepest sympathy for you Ina, your daughter & Family! …he was a very pleasant person! May he RIP.
Ina, sorry to hear about Elroy’s passing. I just today noted his obit. You have our deepest sympathy and best wishes.
Ina, I remember the time at one of the MN lakes and it was a party from work and Elroy and myself were partners in Pinochle and I got a double Pinochle. Elroy got such a great reaction and surprise at how fast we won that game. That was quite a Pinochle game for both of us. Sorry to hear of his passing. Best Wishes always.
Ina, Our deepest sympathies to you and Lisa over the passing of Elroy. We remember many many years ago coming to play cards when you lived in the trailer park behind Oak Manor. Am so glad we ran into you both most recently at the casino. Cherish your many wonderful memories. You were indeed blessed.