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Bakke, 68, Valley City, passed away on February 4th, 2016 under Hospice care surrounded by his loving family.
Blair Arley Bakke, son of Melvin and Eleanor (Silseth) Bakke was born January 17th, 1948 in Sharon, ND. Blair was united in marriage to Wanda Erickson September 6th, 1969 at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City. Blair resided in Valley City and worked for Gale Olstad’s Body Shop for over 30 years before starting his own business, Blair’s Auto Body. His work was always sought after by his loyal customers over the years.
Blair’s passion in life was collecting tractors and antiques of all kinds. His pride and joy was his father’s Model 70 John Deere tractor which he tracked down over many years and bought back during an auction sale. It was a very proud day for him. He also was a “Die Hard” fan of his Chicago Bears. Along later in life came the sadness of losing his son Brandon in 2008 and the news of his daughter Wendy battling breast cancer.
Blair is survived by his children Wendy (Moorhead) and Blair Jr. (Namiko); grandchildren Melissa, Erica, Evan, Levi (Okinawa, Japan), Brenden, Landon, Kaedyn and Braelynn of Valley City; brothers Kenny, Bradley (Rita), and Brian (Darnelle); sisters Paulette (Richard), Sandy (Albert), Charlene (Richard), Susan (Clay), and Jeanne (Boyd); and many nieces and nephews who loved him; also his close lifelong friends Jim, Dave, George, and all his coffee and fishing buddies he enjoyed spending time with.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, son Brandon and beloved brothers Keith and Gary. His parting words: I love you and give me a hug.
The funeral service will be 11 am Wednesday, February 10, at the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City, with Pastor Allan Gerber officiating. Burial will be later in the spring in the Woodbine Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5-7 pm Tuesday with a prayer service at 7 pm at the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue one hour before the service in the chapel.
An online guestbook for Blair is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com.