Norman Duane Bakke

Norman Duane Bakke 94, formerly of Portland, North Dakota passed away September 23, 2026, at Eastwood Senior Living in Mora, Minnesota. He was born, April 20, 1932, to Joseph and Ida (Hefta) Bakke in Buxton, North Dakota.

He grew up in Mayville and Portland, North Dakota, graduating from Portland High School in 1951. He was not at his own graduation as he left school early to enlist in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Epping Forest during the Korean War. They were part of mind sweeping operations around Korea for 27 months and a peace keeping force in Japan. He finished his Unites States Navy service on the Magoffin (APA-199) as part of Operation Passage to Freedom in Vietnam. He received three medals: Korean Service Medal (4 Stars), National Defense Medal and United Nations Service Medal.

In 1955, he was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, and he attended State Teachers College which he graduated from in 1958. Norman also joined the ND National Guard and retired after a combined 20 years of service.

Norman married Grace Clark of Walhalla, North Dakota on November 21, 1956. He received a Master of Education from UND in 1970. Norman was a Superintendent of Schools and taught for over 30 years. He taught mostly business classes and Drivers Ed. The rides with new drivers could be exciting t times. After retiring from teaching, Norman did maintenance work at the PAR site in Concrete, North Dakota. It is now known as Cavalier Space Force Station.

Norman and his wife, Grace enjoyed time spent with family and a trip to the casino every now and then. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. During parades he would ride a motorized skateboard as a Keystone Kop for the Shriners and the nickname of “Happy Feet”. He also enjoyed working during their Circus. Norman wore many hats in his lifetime and was well liked for his smile and wit.

Norman is survived by his children, Larry Bakke of Williston, ND, Joan (David) Ice of Isle, MN, Paula (Orlyn) Meyer of Detroit Lakes, MN, and David Bakke of Langdon, ND; eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Marilyn Cook of Joliet, IL, and Sandy (Paul) Eliason of Portland, ND.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife Grace, his parents, brothers, Perry, Raymond and Roger and sisters, Janet Cosden and Irene Voll.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home. Funeral service will at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home.