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Paulette Rae Bakke, age 66 of North Branch, MN, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in her home surrounded by her husband, son, and loving family. Paulette was born on January 31, 1959, in International Falls, MN to Leo and Rose Ann Morin. She attended school in International Falls, MN and moved to the Twin Cities after graduating in 1977. 

In 1981 she met the love of her life and was united in marriage to Brad Bakke on August 2, 1986 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in International Falls, MN. The union was blessed with one child, Zachary, in whom she fostered a love and passion for music which she was always happy to share with him. When she wasn't busy with family life, she pursued a career working many years in nursing homes caring for the elderly. She ventured off to a new career as a manager of collections and accounts receivable for several medical device companies in the Twin Cities area. She provided the same level of care and compassion for her colleagues as much as she did with her elderly patients. 

She retired in 2016 and devoted time making memories with her family and friends, gardening with her husband, sewing wedding dresses, veils, and quilts, cuddling with her many puppies, and feeding the birds. She enjoyed fishing, traveling to Florida, taking Caribbean cruises, and visiting distant relatives. One of her favorite outings every few years was the annual bitches bash with the girls in the family. She enjoyed drives in the country to look for garage sales and to take photographs of old barns.  Paulette's positive attitude, her infectious smile, the way she lit up a room and created lasting friendships was second nature to her. 

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Brad, her son Zach, and siblings Diane (Morin) Olson, Jean (Morin) Alkazrajhy, Albert, Gary, Darlene (Morin) Ditsch, Kelly, and Sheila (Morin) Beck, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents Leo and Rose Ann (LaBlanc) Morin, her brother Tom and her brother Greg.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota.  Visitation one hour prior to the service.  A luncheon will follow the service.

Thank you to the staff at St. John's Hospital--especially the third floor staff--and Lyngblomsten TCU for their compassion and expertise in caring for Paulette.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

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