Rita Bakke 03/15/2021

Rita Bakke, 76, of River Falls, WI, died peacefully on March 15, 2021, surrounded by her family. Rita was born in Duluth, Mn, the daughter of Lloyd and Florence Anderson. The family moved to River Falls when Rita was in sixth grade. She graduated from River Falls High School in 1962 and on September 28th of that year married her High School sweetheart, Larry Bakke. Together, over the next six years, they had four daughters, Lisa, Lora, Kristen and Brenda. Rita’s zest for life was always present. Her contagious laugh and giving personality made her harmonious to be around. She loved life and the people in her’s. She enjoyed golfing, playing Bridge and lunches with her friends. The cabin in Spooner, Wi became Rita and Larry’s second home where family and friends would stop by for a visit and end up staying the weekend. The legacy that Larry and Rita created at the cabin brought their entire family together. The traditions they started, the memories they made will live on forever. Rita’s ability to “whip up a meal” for 20 plus people was flawless and welcoming. Both Rita and Lisa’s presence will be sorrowfully missed in the summers up north. Rita is preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Amos and Marc Bakke, brother Andy, her first born daughter, Lisa, and grandson, Ryan. Rita is survived by her husband of 59 years, Larry Bakke. Her daughters Lora Bakke James, Kristen Bakke, and Brenda (Tiffany) Bakke. By her Grandchildren, Evan (Britta) Bakke, Dylan (Marissa) James, Abby James, Matt Hefti, Jaxin Larson and Jadin Larson. Her brother Greg (Darla) Anderson, her sister-in-law, Jeannie (Jerry) Solum and Zac, and nieces Chantel (Ron) Mitchell, and Brooke (Derek) Halverson Mechler. A lovely service for Rita was held at Ezekiel Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 27th at 2pm.  Cremation provided by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.