Obituary of Alvin Patrick Bakke

Alvin Patrick Bakke passed away peacefully, with his wife holding his hand and his daughter at his side, at North Memorial Hospital on January 18th, 2020 at the age of 69.

Al, son of Alvin and Anna Marie (Whaley) Bakke, was born on June 29th, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in South Minneapolis with his older siblings of 3 sisters (Helen, Geraldine, and Patricia) and 2 brothers (Rance and Dennis). Al enjoyed exploring the Minneapolis neighborhoods, where he rode his bike, fished in the Mississippi River, worked in neighborhood establishments and graduated from South High School.

After high school he played drums in many venues with different bands around the area. It was during a gig in St. Cloud, Minnesota that he met his wife, Kathleen Bakke (Mornson) while she was a student at St. Cloud State University. They were united in marriage on August 2nd, 1975 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, Minnesota. They moved to Minneapolis where Al was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 45 years. He was a member of the men’s club of St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Northeast Minneapolis, a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 for over 30 years, and worked as a sheet metal worker for Viking Materials in Minneapolis.

Al is survived by his wife Kathleen (Mornson) of Minneapolis, his children - Anna Marie Bakke of Minneapolis, Michael Alvin Bakke of Minneapolis, Scott Waletzko of Richmond, Virginia, and his grandson, Michael Alvin Bakke, Jr. (MJ) of Minneapolis. He is also survived by his brothers, Rance Sabol of Minneapolis, Dennis Sabol (Marilyn) of Aitkin, his in-laws, Ron Mornson (Vicki) of Jordan, Karen (Mornson) Jabas of Montgomery, Bob (Rena) Mornson of Chaska, Rich (Dawn) Mornson of Bloomington, Mike (Karla) Mornson of New Brighton, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Al’s family wishes to extend a sincere thanks to the nurses at the North Memorial Cancer Center - Nick was one nurse who somehow knew what Al needed before he even asked for it. They also are thankful for the care given by Dr Levine and the PAs at the clinic - Heather, Brenna, and Karli. Even the receptionists, pharmacists, and other staff greeted Al by first name and always made him feel they cared about him. The family is also grateful for the kindness and gentle care given to Al at North Memorial Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit and the Comfort Care Unit during his last days.

We will miss Al’s infectious smile, his hardy laugh, his charm, his love of life and ability to make a stranger feel like they were special. Although we will miss him dearly in this physical world, we will feel his presence as we cheer on his grandson, MJ, playing basketball, or as we watch his beloved Twins and Vikings, or watch an action movie, or play cards, or celebrate holidays, or simply live our lives. He will be forever in our hearts and always at our side.

In lieu of flowers, Al would like memorials be made to Helping Paws , which provides service dogs to people with physical disabilities and veterans or first responders with PTSD, or to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. A private service and remembrance gathering will be held at a later date.