Madison, SD – Lee K. Bakke, age 87, of Madison, SD, and formerly of Red Wing, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Lee Kenneth Bakke was born on June 2, 1938, in Thief River Falls. He was the son of Kenneth and Helen (Erickson) Bakke and brother to Bruce, Paul, Sue, Amber and Steve. He grew up in Thief River Falls where he and his brother Paul had a paper route and played a lot of catch. During high school he enjoyed playing football, baseball, and going to dances with his buddy Jimmy Johnson. After graduating from high school, Lee went to North Dakota School of Forestry and boxed. Then he moved to Bayport, MN where he was employed at Anderson Windows while also coaching and playing softball.
A friend invited him to join him working at the Correctional Facility in Red Wing. He accepted the offer and began his career at the Training School in Red Wing, where he was a correctional officer for 35 years.
On September 6, 1975, he married Cynthia Kay Plote at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Lee enjoyed walking in the woods, trimming trees, singing along to Marty Robbins and Abba, Jeopardy! and a hot cup of coffee. Most important to Lee were his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, going to all their events and special activities, and going to get a Buster Bar®.
Honored to share his life with him were his two children, Kate (Mitchell) Brooks of Madison, SD and Karl (Christine) Bakke of Red Wing. He is also survived by five wonderful grandchildren who he loved deeply: Jacob, who he was so proud of (Kennedy), Abby Darling, his best buddy Ben Brooks and Madelyn his sweetheart and Henry his red-haired hockey player Bakke.
Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy; his parents; his two brothers, Paul and Bruce; and one sister, Ann Marie.
The family will be present for a memorial luncheon from 12–3 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Frontenac Sportsman Club in Frontenac. Memorials can be made to Mattie and Henry Bakke for college. Visitwww.georgeboom.com for an online guestbook.
Arrangements are with George Boom Funeral Home of Sioux Falls, SD.
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