Thomas Edwin Bakke
February 2, 1936
September 15, 2023 (87 years old)
Menomonee Falls, WI
The city of Dubuque, Iowa, mourns the loss of a truly remarkable man, Thomas Edwin Bakke. On September 15, 2023, Thomas closed his eyes for the last time, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication. Through the roller coaster of life, he remained a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom for his family and friends.
His departure is deeply felt by his devoted wife Donna, and the void he leaves in the lives of his children, Laura and Jeff, is immeasurable. Thomas was a doting grandfather to Sara, Kylie, Makena, Morgan, and Lydia. The special bond he shared with his children-in-law, Mike and Kelly, was evident to all who saw them together. His sister-in-law, Georgia, remembers him with a heavy heart, as do his cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, and countless friends.
Though predeceased by his parents, Wilbur and Irene Bakke, and his sister Betty, their memories were always close to his heart.
To honor Thomas’s memory, a series of commemorative events are planned. The family welcomes all to the Ryan Funeral Homes in Madison North on Friday, September 22nd, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This will be followed by a heartfelt prayer at 11:00 AM. Later in the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, Thomas will be laid to rest at the St. Mary Mausoleum in Menomonee Falls, WI. Concluding the day’s tributes, a celebration of Thomas’s life will commence at the Ryan Funeral Home, allowing attendees to share stories, memories, and moments that defined his life.
In recognition of Thomas’s compassion and his lifelong commitment to helping others, the family kindly requests that, in place of flowers, donations be made to either the Parkinson Disease Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Through these contributions, his spirit of giving will continue to touch lives even in his absence.