She was born in Gull Lake, Wis. to Herbert and Myrtle E. McNitt in 1918. During the Depression, the family moved to Spooner, Wis.  After graduating from teacher’s college, she taught grades 1-8 for seven years in a one-room schoolhouse.

Charles Bakke courted Myrna for seven years before they married in 1943.  She stood behind Charles as he established Lakeside Truck Body Company in Wisconsin.  In 1954 it was moved to Turlock, where she has resided ever since. She was married for 45 years before she was widowed.  She was a member of the Turlock Free Methodist Church since 1954 and a volunteer for Emanuel Hospital Auxiliary for over 30 years.

She enjoyed Rosemaling (traditional Norwegian painting), playing the organ, teaching children at her church, attending Community Bible Study, gardening, traveling, playing table games, baking and entertaining.  God, family, and friends were her priorities.

Myrna is survived by her children, Lynda (Richard) Carpenter of Turlock, Steve (Rhonda) Bakke of Wilsonville, Ore. and Kent Bakke of Seattle, Wash.; sister, Eileen Warren of Thompsonville, Ill.; grandchildren, Wes, Stephanie, Dan, Whitney, Walker and Tyler; and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bakke; one sister; and two brothers.

Visitation will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23 at Allen Mortuary. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 at the Turlock Free Methodist Church, 2006 E. Tuolumne Rd. Memorial contributions may be made to International Child Care Ministries, P.O. Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN, 46253-5002, or online at childcareministries.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Allen Mortuary. Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.