Dennis Bakke of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, August 10, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND with his loving family by his side.

You will notice no years included with the dates in his obituary as Dennis was forever 49 years old!

Dennis Bertil Bakke was born on July 15 the son of Bertil and Clara (Engelsrud) Bakke. He was raised in Newfolden, MN where he graduated from Newfolden High School. Through his high school years, Dennis excelled in baseball, football and basketball and was even given an opportunity to advance to semi-pro baseball. By his athletic scholarships, Dennis furthered his education at Luther College, University of North Dakota and Bemidji State University.

He was united in marriage to Karon Mittelstadt at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls on April 24. They settled in Thief River Falls and to this union two amazing children were born, Ryan and Sarah.

Dennis worked many careers including being a bricklayer for Noreen Masonry, Arctic Cat in sales and as a competitive racer as part of their race team. While at Arctic Cat he also modeled their clothing line and was featured in the movie "It Ain't Easy" which premiered at Falls Theatre in Thief River Falls. Dennis then went to work in sales at Forsberg's Inc. for a few years and then on to the Occupational Development Center as their Sales and Marketing Director. This is where he met his future wife, Joanie O'Neill. The couple were later united in marriage on November 26 in Las Vegas, NV and made their home in Thief River Falls. Together they are proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Brooklyn and Kennedy.

For the past 16 years, Dennis has been the owner and President of Forsberg's Inc. in Thief River Falls. Forsberg's is a manufacturing company serving businesses worldwide. Dennis was very well respected by his customers and many became his friends. One such customer from Europe wrote " It is not often that encounters in business can stimulate a friendship that goes long after the business dealings have ended. "

Dennis was a man of great integrity, he always put others in front of himself, lived for his family and friends making sure they were happy and safe. He was extremely generous and always willing to help someone else. For those of you that knew him, you know that he loved with his whole heart. His joy came from bringing a smile to others' faces. It wasn't the "things" in life that he cared about, rather, the happiness he could give to everyone around him.

Coming from humble beginnings, Dennis lived his life paying it forward by sharing his success. Through the Education Foundation in Thief River Falls, Dennis established the Bakke Skating Scholarship.

He enjoyed golfing and fast and loud cars, boats and motorcycles. He loved going out to eat and there had better be Pepsi, hard butter and loads of pepper. For all the waitstaff in town, you will smile and remember having to get butter out of the freezer. He also enjoyed working (who does that?) and was still doing so every day at Forsberg's. Dennis also loved taking time to visit with his family and friends, reminiscing about old times and making sure all was good in their lives.

He was a member of the Elks Club, Kiwanis, Ducks Unlimited and served as president of TRFAHA back in the day.

Survivors include his loving wife, Joanie; daughters, Brooklyn & Kennedy all of Thief River Falls; son, Ryan (Jody) Bakke of Thief River Falls; daughter, Sarah (Scott) Fortune of Stillwater, MN; 7 grandsons, Chase (Chloe) Bakke, Blake Bakke, Arturo Alcozer/Bakke, Cody Schindler, Chad & Chris Manning and Lincoln Eugene Dennis Fortune; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Connor, Rylee, Cayda, Cavelle, Cyar, Westyn and Lennix; sisters, Betty Amiot and Vernice Nelson; nieces and nephews too numerous to list; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janette (Doug) Weber; and brothers-in-law, Clarence Amiot, Doug Weber and Leo Nelson.

A Big Bash in honor of Dennis will be held when it is safe to gather.