Arnold Bakke

Arnold Elmer Bakke, age 87, of Grand Forks passed away on January 2, 2014 at his home. Arnold was born on October 19, 1926 in Wheelock, ND to Lars and Eline Bakke. He was raised in Wheelock and graduated from high school in Ray, ND. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He married Ida Ring on September 1, 1948 at Rainbow Valley Church near Ray, ND. Upon obtaining a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota, his first job was teaching and coaching at Wildrose, ND. There he guided the boys basketball team to the 1951 Class C State Championship. He returned to UND and received a masters degree in education, after which he began a 34 year career as a teacher, principal, and administrator in the Grand Forks Public Schools until his retirement in 1989. Arnold was a proud member of the N.D. Army Reserve, serving 25 years and retiring as a full colonel. A passionate proponent of track and field, he served as meet starter for over 900 track meets in the region, including the 1967 Pan-Am Games in Winnipeg, MB. After working as an official at the N.D. High School State Track and Field Meet for 50 years, he was inducted into the the North Dakota Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2008. In retirement, he remained a loyal supporter of Grand Forks Central Athletics, especially the football team. In 2007, he was elected to GFC's Athletic Hall of Fame. A skilled gardener and woodworker, Arnold received great pleasure from sharing produce and hand-made items from his shop. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and enjoyed speaking the language whenever he had the chance. He was a devoted father and grandfather, supporting his family in any way he could. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Olga, Helen, Inga; and a daughter Kirsten. He is survived by his wife Ida; daughters Bettie Walls and Tina Cowger; sons Eric (Laurie) and Arne; grandchildren: Brian Walls, Mary Walls, Andrew (Rebecca) Bakke, Thomas (Jonetta) Bakke, Jeffrey Bakke, Lane (Kate) Cowger, Adam (Jessica) Cowger, Steven Cowger; great grandchildren: Claire, Luke, Bergen, and Conrad; and sisters Lilly Bratvold and Ella Hansen. Visitation is planned for Monday, January 6th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks. Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, January 7th at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be sent to the Grand Forks Foundation for Education and Calvary Lutheran Church.