Raymond Bakke, 62

Raymond Gene Bakke, 62, Alexandria, died May 20, 2008 at his lake home in Burtrum.

Ray was born in Alexandria on April 8, 1946, to Clifford and Frances (Loch) Bakke. He attended local schools in Alexandria and graduated in 1964 from Jefferson High School. As a high school student he was an avid wrestler.

Ray attended Alexandria Technical College and took part in theirindustrial machinery program. He was then employed by the FMC Corporation in Minneapolis and worked there for 23 years. When the company had massive layoffs, Ray decided to go back to college in his
40s.

Ray then attended St. Cloud State University where he received an education degree in industrial education. He then taught for seven years at the Iowa Central Community College prior to moving to Alexandria.

Ray was known in the sports officiating business for umpiring baseball all over the state as well as being an international wrestling official.

He is survived by his mother, Frances Bakke of Alexandria; brothers, Duane Bakke of Alexandria, Rodney Bakke of Alexandria, Allen Bakke of Alexandria, Richard Bakke of East Bethel; sister, Cathy Miller of Denver; and son, Greg Bennett of Brainerd. He was also the proud grandpa of Samantha and Isabella Bennett.

Ray was preceded in death by his father; and his companion of more than 30 years, Sandi Bennett.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 24, at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church in Farwell with the Rev. Denise Croskey officiating. Sara Rensink was the organist. Interment was at the church cemetery with Brian Bakke, Kevin Bakke, Daren Bakke, Scott Bakke, Chris Bakke, Chaz Bakke, Fred Bennett, Brad Holmquist, Travis Holmquist and Bill Bursch serving ascasket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were Kelly Miller, Kacie Miller, Isabella Bennett, Samantha Bennett, Cassandra Bakke, Jodi Holmquist, Debbie Bakke, all umpires, referees and Ray’s friends.