Vernon L. Bakke's Obituary
Vernon L. Bakke, age 79, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on January 19, 2024, in Centerton, Arkansas. He was born on August 8, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Woodrow Bakke and Ruth (Olson) Bakke. Vernon married Susan Larson on June 4, 1966, in Alexandria, Minnesota. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Mathematics and taught Math at the University of Arkansas for over 20 years. In 1988, Vernon began working with the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland and San Antonio, Texas. After retiring, he and Susan moved back to Northwest Arkansas. Vernon loved to play tennis and ride his bike. He enjoyed surf fishing and making pottery.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Ruth Bakke; brother, Wayne Bakke; and sister, Barbara Gustafson.
Vernon is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan Bakke; sons, Steven Bakke and wife Tatjana of Timnath, Colorado, and Thomas Bakke and wife Alisha of Springdale, Arkansas; and four grandchildren, Jason, Alison, Emily, and Beth.
Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org/donate. To leave an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
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