March 28, 1950 - August 19, 2025
Donna Jean Bakke, born March 28, 1950, of Bloomington, MN, passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 19, 2025 after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 75 years old.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, James and Thelma Slinde, and her brother, Jim Slinde.
Donna is survived by her husband of 35 years, Paul Bakke; her children, Mike (Heidi) Johnson and Toni (Todd) Bethke; two granddaughters, Alyson Niesen and Tia Bethke; and her sister, Ginger Tollefson.
Donna grew up on her family farm, the youngest of three children in Madison, MN. She later moved to the Minneapolis area where she raised her family in Richfield and then moved to Bloomington when she remarried. She worked as an administrative assistant for many years. She was truly organized, skilled and proficient and was found to be indispensable at any job she worked.
Donna was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She lived a life filled with love, energy and creativity. She was an accomplished quilter and crafter, often sewing alongside friends to create quilts that brought warmth and comfort to many. Her handmade gifts and quilts remain cherished treasures for family and friends.
An active and vibrant spirit, Donna was always on the move. She enjoyed participating in walkathons (often keeping pace with or passing the joggers) and walking with her close circle of friends as well as dancing and playing pickleball. She liked to travel, with her most recent adventures being a memorable Alaskan cruise, trip to Savannah, Georgia and to Florida.
She found joy in hosting and attending gatherings large or small. Donna loved playing board games and trying new activities. She cherished time spent at the family’s lake cabin fishing, boating, enjoying evenings by the fire making s’mores and creating countless memories with loved ones.
Donna had a remarkable eye for style. She was a skillful shopper who never failed to find the perfect gifts and clothes for her loved ones.
Donna was a true gardener. She filled her yard with beauty and generously split her hostas and plants to share with others and offered her gardening expertise. She also poured her creativity into art and decor from painting backdrops for the City of Bloomington Theater, to painting her own wrapping paper and decorating her table for the holidays.
She was a devoted sports fan and was especially passionate about women’s sports. She was an avid supporter of her granddaughters, nieces and nephews and enjoyed attending their activities and sporting events. Through it all, Donna’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering support enriched the lives of everyone she touched.
Donna’s legacy is one of love, creativity and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the staff at M Fairview Ridges and NC Little Memorial Hospice for their exceptional care.
A private memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorials preferred to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Will miss you lots Donna. We have so many memories and I promise to always find the fun in whatever we are doing…just like you did! Thank you for being such a nice aunt! For supporting me and cheering so loud! Have fun up there with Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Jim. Love you!
Donna was one of my mom’s oldest and most cherished friends. They met when I was very young and I still have vivid memories of Donna’s radiant smile and her glowing hair backlit by the sun. I specifically remember the sound of her voice. She was beautiful and kind. She made the most amazing pillow for our son Valentine. We will miss her.
Paul and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful, cheerful person! The neighborhood will not be the same without her!! She will be greatly missed!!!
Love, sympathy and prayers,
Nancy, Michelle and Jeanie Paulson
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️My condolences to all of you.
I was truly heartbroken when I heard the news of Donna’s passing. I have known her and her wonderful family for 40+years. Her son Mike and I have been Great friends/classmates and teammates on many baseball teams over the years. Her obituary brought tears to my eyes it mentioned her cheer
I met Donna thru one of my best friends Mike Johnson. She was a caring
And loving person. Always smiling and happy. She was courageous in her fight
With breast cancer. Never to complain and always positive on her outcome.
She will be missed but never forgotten.
Such a fun, happy soul. We share lake property near Paul and Donna on Blueberry Lake in Menahga, MN.
She will be dearly missed. Paul and family, so sorry for your loss of a special wife, mother and grandma.
Tim & Nel Frenette
I met Donna years ago when she interviewed me for a job, we instantly became friends. What I loved about my good friend was her zest for life. There was always time for shopping, having fun, and finding a happy hour somewhere. Her witty, dry humor, was always spot on and followed by a huge smile. Going to miss that big smile of hers. What I so respected about Donna, was how she lived her life. It was like cancer was just an inconvenience and it wasn’t going to stop her from living. She loved her family and friends fiercely and wasn’t going to waste a minute.
Thinking of you and your family.