Barbara Ann (Burke) Bakke, 84, Duluth Minn., died Sunday, January 15, in hospice at Edgewood Vista Memory Care.

Barb was born to Mary and Lester Burke on July 31, 1938. She graduated from East High School and went on to Duluth Business University. Barb found the perfect job and dedicated 20 years as a receptionist at St. Mary's hospital, allowing her to connect with so many in the community. She retired to care for her many grandchildren who were the absolute joy of her life and allowed her to be a kid again. There was no better sound to Barb than the laughter of her grandchildren. Barb was so proud of her family and loved each sibling, child, and grandchild unconditionally.

Barb was a gifted writer and expressed her love for family and friends with many cards and letters. She also loved to cross-stitch, read and shop. Barb was part of the Red Hat club and enjoyed celebrating birthdays with her dear friends and sisters. Christmas was her absolute favorite, so much so that in her later years she insisted on keeping her tree up the entire year.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Carol White, Lyle Burke, and Gary Burke.

Barb is survived by her children, Vicki Brantley, Scott (Pamela) Brantley, Suzanne (Andrew) Stenerson, Jennifer Bakke, and Michael Bakke; her adored grandchildren, Robert Brantley, Nichole Vallie, Tanner Kall, Josiah Delvecchio, Sierra Brantley, Grace Bakke, Kelsey Brantley, Logan Perry, and Serenette Bakke; great-grandchildren, Zoey Alt, Abigail Adams, and Delaney Laakso; and siblings, Byron Burke, Dennis Burke, Lee Burke, Joann Petoletti, Sharon (Earl) Ribaudo, and Debbie Getz.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 27, 2023 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 PM.