Dean Bakkum

 Dean Bakkum, 53, of Holmen, WI, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.

Dean was born January 13, 1972, to Arthur and Sheryl (Mindrum) Bakkum, in Winona, MN. He grew up in Rushford, MN, and graduated the class of 1990. In 1990, Dean welcomed his first child, a daughter, Alessa. Later, Dean was united in marriage to Jodi (Hoover), and from this union a son, Drake, was born. The two later divorced. Dean had a huge heart and a deep love for everyone in his life, especially his children. His sense of humor and funny anticks will live on forever. Spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and especially time on his motorcycle was never time wasted. Dean was an animal whisperer and would spend countless hours befriending any animal he could get his hands on.

Dean and Drake shared a particularly special bond. Dean was deeply involved in Drake's life - rarely missing a baseball game, always up for a hunting or fishing trip, and spending countless hours working on vehicles together. Whether teaching, encouraging, or just being present, Dean was a steady and loving presence in drake's world.

Dean was lucky enough to reconnect with his childhood friend Shannon, and the two were able to share the past 3 years together. Even though Dean was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and Shannon a Minnesota Vikings fan, the two managed to make it work.

Dean is survived by his fiancée, Shannon Christensen; daughter, Alessa Bakkum; son, Drake Bakkum; mother, Sheryl Bakkum; sister, Sara Ptacek; granddaughter, Sequoia Bakkum; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He we preceded in death by his father, Arthur Bakkum, and his grandparents.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00p.m. on Tuesday, May 13,2025 at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in Peterson, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Dean will be laid to rest at Highland Prairie Lutheran Cemetery.

Service will be livestreamed. Please follow the link below to watch remotely.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0NjQ4MjM5NTM2MTI5OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==