Cole Alexander Bakke, age 34, of Mounds View, Minnesota passed away suddenly on Friday, October 24, 2025. 

He was born on January 2, 1991 in Fridley, Minnesota to Ronald and Cynthia (Oien) Bakke, Cole grew up as the youngest of three boys. From an early age, it was clear he had an incredible curiosity and a gift for creativity.  He loved art and was continuously learning new things.

Over the years, Cole attended Irondale High School, Hennepin and Anoka Technical Colleges as well as Century Community College. He found his calling as an artist and dove passionately into drawing, painting, sculpture, animation, cinematography, and music. A cinephile at heart, he could always be found quoting movies or experimenting with cinematic effects. 

Cole is survived by his parents, Ron and Cindy of Mounds View, MN; brothers, Eric of Minneapolis, MN, and Reed (Kari) of Saint Louis Park, MN.  He is also survived by his niece, nephew, grandmother, uncle, friends, and family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur "Pete" Bakke, Ruth Bakke, and Willis Oien; and his uncles, Robert Soderstrom and Richard Soderstrom.

Those who knew Cole will remember his love of animals, sharp wit, intellectual curiosity, and creative spirit. He taught us the importance of finding something we are passionate about and then diving right in, learning as much as possible about it. His spirit will live on for everyone who was lucky enough to know him. 

Cole believed “We honor the dead by living with joy.”

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 West Franklin Avenue, St. Louis Park MN, 55426 from 11:00am - 2:00pm where family and friends will gather to share stories and memories of Cole.  He meant so much to all of us and we will miss him.