Julie Bakke

Julie Bakke, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, MN, at the age of 79.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. Stephanie White officiating. Burial took place following at the Finnish Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River, MN.

Visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday at the church.

Julie Diann Halme was born January 21, 1944, to Frank and Saima (Waltonen) Halme in Thief River Falls, MN and was raised in Middle River, MN. She had one sibling, Frank William “Billy” Halme. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She graduated from Middle River High School in 1962.

On February 15, 1964, Julie married Darrell Bakke in Middle River. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls. Three children were born to this union: Heather, Holly, and Darren.

Julie worked at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, and later at Northern Lights Bookstore. She volunteered at the Thief River Falls Area Food Shelf for many years. In the early 1980s, Julie earned her college degree from Northland Community College in Thief River Falls.

Julie’s hobbies included reading, flower gardening, cooking, snowmobiling, curling, decorating, and writing. She loved animals, owning many pets over the years. Her beloved cat, Mittens, was a great companion to her in later years. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.

Julie was very proud of her Finnish heritage. She would often say, “I’m a tough Finn.” She admired the grit and determination, “Sisu,” of the Finnish people and prided herself on being resilient and independent.

Julie is survived by her son, Darren (Sara) Bakke of Thief River Falls, MN, daughter, Heather (Joe) Gallo of Cheyenne, WY, grandchildren, Tyler (Bailey) Gallo and Hailey Leatherwood, great-grandchildren Maizy and Greylen Gallo, sister-in-law Carol Halme, brother-in-law David (Marge) Bakke, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, infant daughter Holly, brother Frank “Billy” Halme, nephew Brent Pederson, niece Nancy Pederson, and sister-in-law Beverly Pederson.