Rodney James Bakke passed away on Saturday, October 12, at home surrounded by his family.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm Friday October 18, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be held from 9:00 am until 9:45 am Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Church of the Resurrection.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rodney will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Elizabeth, IL at a later date.

Rod was born on October 15, 1937, to James Bakke and Lillian Haberman. Lillian later married his stepfather, Julius Haberman. He was the oldest of 7 children. He graduated from Lodi High School as Class President in 1955. Rod enjoyed his High School Reunions over the years and had recently attended his 69th High School reunion in August. He was determined to go, and he did just that.

Growing up, Rod loved attending the Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus in Madison and spending time at the family grocery store. He loved playing basketball and baseball.

Over the years, he cherished his time with his Wisconsin siblings and their families.

He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Master’s in Educational Guidance and Counseling at the University of UW-Platteville.

He married his former wife, Kay Ryan in 1957, and 3 boys were born to this union. Tom, Van and David. Some of the greatest memories they shared together were moments in Platteville, Wisconsin, centered around sports and Rod faithfully attended football, baseball and basketball games. He rarely missed a game and was always available to catch, shoot hoops or watch a game, especially the Wisconsin Badgers or Green Bay Packers. He attended the Ice Bowl with his son Tom in 1967 at Lambeau Field. He shared many stories of that day. The boys received the gardening gene from their dad and they have continued the admiration of flowers, lawn care and being around Mother Nature’s beauty.

Rod married his bride and love of his life, Mary Ann, on September 10, 1982 in Dubuque. They shared the same birthday, October 15. They had recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. They welcomed their daughter, Sarah, in 1983. He continued to be his children’s biggest supporters by watching Sarah in many musical and sporting events. He always gave her the very best advice and encouraged her to get involved as much as possible.

In Rod’s earlier career, he worked 10 years in the radio business in Poynette and Baraboo, Wisconsin, a field he became passionate about Junior year in High School after he was on a program, “Lodi on the Air.” Rod’s career then led him to Northeast Iowa Community College where he was key in the opening of the Peosta Campus. Rod worked there from 1977 until retirement in 1999. He devoted his passion of education in the areas of Admissions, Financial Aid and served as Development Director. He was inducted into the NICC Hall of Fame in 2014, receiving the Foundation Retiree Outstanding Service award. He was so very proud of this achievement. Rod helped organize the NICC Golf Outing which would benefit the Foundation.

After his retirement, Rod worked at the National River Museum & Aquarium, and then later as a volunteer. He enjoyed giving tours and welcoming groups.

Rod was deeply rooted in caring for and giving back to the communities in which he lived and loved at a young age. He helped the Platteville community by developing the Jaycee’s Park and organizing other community nonprofit events. He continued his enthusiasm for volunteering spending 32 years as a member of the Ambassadors of Dubuque. He enjoyed the ribbon cuttings greatly. He was involved in the Rotary Club for many years, serving as a former President. He also was on the Rescue Mission Board which filled his heart and yearning to help others. He served on the Holy Family School, Dubuque Five Flags, Dubuque County Fair, and Colts Drum and Bugle Corps Boards. Rod was a man of great faith and extremely involved at the Church of the Resurrection. He devoted his time and talents to the GREEN Team, Vocational and Social Justice Teams. The group in which he found some of his dearest friends was the Men’s M.E.S.S. group. These men were so very special to Rod and helped him in his yard when was unable to, and even built him a ramp. The bond they formed over the years filled his heart in many ways. He also had wonderful neighbors that would come over at any time to help him or have a chat. He was thankful for the Church Community and loved watching his wife Mary Ann sing in the choir.

Rod also spent many years assisting on political campaigns. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his absentee ballet.

Rod loved writing letters. The amount of letters Dad shared with others over the years was such a gift to many. Dad enjoyed gardening. He was so very proud of his garden and would bring his family, friends and local businesses beautiful bouquets. He was an expert in history, particularly WW2. He found such joy in attending church, community involvement, but above all spending time with his loved ones. He loved the holidays and celebrating traditions. He had many roles in life, but his most cherished role was “Grandpa.” He was very proud of all of his grandchildren. He enjoyed his opportunities to visit his grandchildren in Arkansas: Yumeko, Matthew, Melissa, Tyler and Logan and writing special letters to them too. He enjoyed following their academic, sports and other many accomplishments. Brooks and Jordyn were his youngest grandchildren, and he loved seeing them in their school masses, picking them up from school and spending time with them. He enjoyed helping Brooks with his homework and they would read together. He was his “little buddy” and Jordy lit up his days. He always shared with his family his love of reading and learning. He most recently enjoyed attending Brooks’ sporting events and watching Jordy’s gymnastic and dancing videos.

He loved special dates to the movies with Mary Ann and out to eat with his dear friends Kiefer’s, Herting’s and the Wick’s at Kalmes Breaktime. He had a great bond with his dear friends John and Joni Kubesh and cherished special memories with them.

Although our favorite guy had health issues over the last few years, he looked every challenge in the face and trusted in God. He worked so very hard at his Physical Therapy and left an impression on his many care givers.

Those who will continue to live on in Rod’s legacy include: Wife, Mary Ann of Dubuque, sons Tom (Sumako),of Greenbrier, Arkansas, their daughter Yumeko, Van (Alisha) of Bentonville Arkansas, their children Matthew Bakke (Ashleigh) and Melissa Pankey (Josh), David Bakke (Alana) of Maumelle, Arkansas, and their children Tyler and Logan, daughter, Sarah Helle (Justin) of Dubuque, their children Brooks and Jordyn, stepson, Stephen Jenkins (Maggie) of Madison, Wisconsin, their children Ida and Otis, siblings Rose Block (Carl) of New London, Bill (Diane) of Middleton, Wisconsin, Sue (Lenny) Klemmentz and Mary (Stan) Grob, both of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Grace (Larry) Kohn of Pardeeville, Wisconsin,  and Gordy Haberman of Oregon, Wisconsin. He was proceeded in death by his father, James Bakke, mother, Lillian Haberman and stepfather Julius Haberman.

He truly set a great example of how to honor people of all walks of life with his giving spirit.

He will be missed by so many, but his enormous heart will continue to guide our lives as we will move forward and so fondly remember him. To honor Rod, please always remember to stop and smell the flowers and write that hand-written note. A special thank you to Dr. Whalen and his team at Grand River Medical, Unity Point-Finley, Stonehill Communities Staff and Hospice of Dubuque who wrapped Rod in their care.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Rodney’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.