Curtis L Bakke

Curtis Laverne Bakke, 83, of Mesquite, Nevada passed away on December 8^th, 2023.  He was born in Williston, North Dakota on March 17^th, 1940, to George Bakke & Hilda (Fosse) Bakke. He grew up on the family farm on the edge of town. He graduated from Williston High School in 1958. He later met the love of his life Cheryl Haugen. They were married at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard on August 19^th, 1961.

Curt started working for Natwick Decorators at the age of 16 and continued to work with Natwick’s until 1963. Then, in partnership with David Bean, they operated the Skelly Service station in Williston for 2 years. In 1965, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he was employed by Firebrand, Inc. selling tires. In 1970, he started C & B Sales, a warehouse distributor for automotive accessories. In 1975, he started Carlines, Mfg., making seat covers, starting a line of businesses that involved the family. In 1979, he and Cheryl bought their first dream home in Sandy, Utah.

In 1988, he started Stainless Steel Accessories Manufacturing Inc, now manufacturing auto and truck accessories.  He was immensely proud of this company and sold off Carlines, Mfg. in 1994. Stainless Steel Accessories Manufacturing Inc. grew for many years. 

In 1997, Curt and Cheryl bought their second home in Mesquite, Nevada. Mesquite became home. With the help of their children, they enjoyed semi-retirement. They were both devout Lutherans and had been members of this church from its inception in 1997. Curt enjoyed helping at the Mesquite Lutheran Church and Childcare Center with painting and maintenance requests throughout the years. 

Full retirement came after their daughter Stephanie’s passing on August 11^th, 2016. Cheryl’s health declined and they stayed in Mesquite full time. On April 17^th, 2021, Cheryl passed away at their house in Sandy. They would have celebrated their 60^th Anniversary that year. 

Curt returned to Mesquite, where he learned to navigate life without his beloved, Cheryl. He found a new community and made friends at the Senior Center. He looked forward to daily lunches and playing cards with others there. He also enjoyed hosting friends at his home in the evenings. He took pride in that home. The house and yard were always immaculate. 

Curt is survived by his three sons Steve (Cari) Bakke of West Jordan, UT, Cory of Salt Lake, UT, and Scott of Salt Lake, UT and daughter Sherrie (Matthew) Holm of Salem, ID. Five Grandchildren: Courtney (Tyler) Gordon, John (Adriana) Hayes, Caysie Bakke, Cayden Bakke, Cameron Bakke and five great grandchildren: Bradin, Alayna, Demi and Leo.

He was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl Bakke, son Rick Allen, daughter Stephanie Rae Bakke; parents George Bakke & Hilda Bakke (Williston, ND); two brothers Lowell Bakke (Phoenix, AZ) and Jerome Bakke (Grand Forks, ND); and friends and loved ones. 

Celebration of Life will take place on April 27^th,2024 from 1PM-3PM at the Mesquite Lutheran Church 450 Turtleback Road, Mesquite, NV 89027. 

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mesquite Lutheran Church or Mesquite Lutheran Preschool and Childcare Center.