Janice A. Bakke

Janice A. Bakke, 86, formerly of Proctor, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the Diamond Willow Assisted Living-Lester Park Campus surrounded by her family. Janice was born on January 1, 1937, the first baby born in Duluth that year. Her parents were Clarence and Audrey (Young) Briesemaster. Janice grew up in Hermantown and married Richard Bakke in 1958 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. She graduated from UMD with a degree in social work and went to work at Bethany Home for Children. Later, she worked at Donald Holm Construction as their office manager for 20 years.  Janice was longtime member of United Lutheran Church of Proctor, formerly Bethlehem Lutheran, where she was active with the Priscilla Circle, the Altar Guild and various committees over the years. She volunteered at the South St. Louis County Fair, Hilltop Garden Club and was a Girl Scout Leader for many years. Janice was also a member of the Lutheran Social Services Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; her in-laws, Janice and Ragnar Bakke; and her brother, Jerry Briesemaster. Janice is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Erickson of Duluth; a son, Todd Bakke of Proctor; a sister, Carol (Don) Holm of Duluth; two grandchildren, Emily (Aaron) Burnside and Joey Erickson; one great-grandson, Charlie Burnside; numerous other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Diamond Willow-Lester Park and Ecumen Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Janice. Visitation 10 am until the 11 am memorial service Friday, October 27, 2023 at United Lutheran Church of Proctor, 701 Third Ave. Pastor Liz Davis officiating. Please consider memorials in Janice’s name to United Lutheran Church of Proctor or Lutheran Social Services.