Bruce Ervin Bakeberg

Bruce "Mr. B." Bakeberg, age 75, of Maple Lake, died Thursday, August 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A Celebration of Life honoring Bruce will be held at a later date. Masks or face coverings are required, and attendees are asked to observe social distancing guidelines.

Bruce Ervin Bakeberg was born May 21, 1945 in Ortonville, Minnesota to Ervin "Sonny" and Elaine (Reichert) Bakeberg. Bruce grew up in Ortonville, where he graduated from high school in 1964. Bruce then attended Moorhead State University, where he obtained his degree in education. On October 14, 1967, Bruce was united in marriage to Janet "Jan" Skaff in Fargo, North Dakota. Following his college graduation, Mr. B began his almost 50-year career at the Maple Lake Schools teaching physical education and driver's education, in addition to coaching numerous sports, such as football, softball, golf, and basketball. In 1980, Bruce, Jan, along with their kids, Scott and Tammy, and their dogs, lived in Monrovia, Liberia while Bruce and Jan taught. They made their home in Liberia for two years, before returning to the Maple Lake area in 1982. Mr. B retired from Maple Lake High School in 2004, having left a lasting impact on numerous Maple Lake students and student athletes. He continued to teach driver's education until 2020. When Bruce was not hunting, he could be found playing softball, golfing, bowling, spending time on the lake, and traveling the world. Above all, Bruce cherished the time he was able to spend with his family, especially his five adoring grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jan of Maple Lake; children, Scott (Brenda) of Maple Lake and Tammy (Patrick Cruikshank) Saphir of Plymouth; 5 grandchildren, Jordyn, Sydney, Lexy, Zoey, Michael; siblings, Nancy (Vernon) Van Winkle of Aitkin; Sandy (Tom) Perry of Barrett, Connie (significant other, Les) Blood of Lindstrom, Bonnie (Bill) Franklin of Chicago; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, dear colleagues, and his former students. He was preceded in death by his parents.