Richard Iver Bakke

Richard Iver Bakke passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, June 7, 2026, after a 14-year brave battle with Parkinson’s. He was born in 1940 to Iver and Austrid Bakke in St. James, MN, and excelled at both football and track at St. James High, and later at Gustavus Adolphus College. In 1962, he married Alice in Sioux Falls, SD, and began his teaching and coaching career in Belview, MN, from 1963-65.

He was head football coach and assistant basketball coach and then took the head football coaching position in Monticello, MN, from 1965-77, where his teams achieved 100 wins, 17 losses, and 3 ties, including 10 Wright County Championships. He was recognized as an individual with a sense of humor, the highest of ideals, and genuine concern for family, students, players, and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and everything Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by parents Iver and Austrid Bakke; granddaughter Nicole Jordahl; sister-in-law Rennae Fuzzey; brother-in-law Thomas Fuzzey; brother-in-law Jack Helgren; and niece Monique Carlson. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice; her two daughters, Chris Wainwright and Melanie Jarandson (Kelly); grandchildren Derek Jordahl, Andrew Peterson, Lauren Plyler (Jonathan), and Lindsey Peterson; sister Gloria Helgren; brother-in-law James A. Carlson; and beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Monticello, MN, beginning at 10 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

Have a favorite memory of Richard Bakke? We'd love for you to share it in the online guestbook. Your words can bring comfort to the family and create a collection of memories they can cherish for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations to the Michael J Fox Parkinson’s foundation in hopes of finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 614-8494.