Richard "Dick" Bakka, 86, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by his family, leaving behind a world a little quieter without his gentle presence and a little emptier without his stories. The son of Kathryn Moore and Henry Bakka, Dick was born May 20, 1940, in Beloit, Wisconsin. A true Wisconsinite through and through, with a lifelong loyalty to the Green Bay Packers and the same steadfast devotion in everything he did. After graduating from Beloit High School in 1958, Dick went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1962. He began his career at Klenzade in Wisconsin before moving to Minnesota in 1966 to join Ecolab, where he met the love of his life, Carol. He dedicated 38 years to Ecolab and the work he loved. Outside the lab, Dick could be found on the water boating and fishing or sharing his love of music through his guitar and stand- up bass. At the center of it all was Carol, the light of his life and his partner in every adventure for 52 years. Together they traveled, enjoyed retirement in Englewood, Florida, and built a life full of shared moments and lasting memories. Those who knew Dick will remember a man of extraordinary patience, warmth, and kindness. He was, simply put, one of the good nes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Henry Bakka. Dick leaves behind his cherished wife, Carol; sister-in-law Judy Jarosch (Ron); nephews Peter Jarosch (Joy) and their children Natalie and Tyler, and Joseph Jarosch (Ashley) and his children Noah and Dani; niece Rebecca Dahlberg (Peter); and many beloved cousins and friends. All of whom will forever carry with them his steady presence, his stories, and his gentle soul.

A service celebrating Dick's life will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM at White Funeral Home, located at 14560 Pennock Ave., Apple Valley, MN.  There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM.  A luncheon will follow the service, at the American Legion in Apple Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St Jude's Hospital.