Larry Dean Bak

Larry Dean Bak

April 12, 1941 - October 23rd, 2023

It’s difficult to describe the full life Larry lived in just a dash.  

Larry was born in Yankton, SD to Art and Helen Bak.

Larry grew up in Irene, SD, with brothers Dave and Ronnie, and sister Vicki.

He played baseball, basketball, and football back in the day. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to go camping, fishing, and hunting.  He always loved to go watch a ball game, because he really enjoyed sports and just being around people.  Oh by the way, Larry’s a diehard Vikings and Twins fan. 

Larry loved all animals (and they loved him).  You’d rarely catch him without a dog or cat somewhere in his vicinity.  He has had many animals throughout the years that he has loved dearly.

He was always the type of person to help someone in need, whether that be stopping and helping someone on the side of the road, fixing someone’s plumbing, helping with electrical work, or just chatting with someone at morning coffee, he was always there. 

Larry had the best sense of humor.  If you were around him, you were probably laughing, and if you were lucky enough to hear him laugh, you’ll probably never forget it. He had the most contagious laugh.  Also, if you ever happen to drive by Larry’s house while he was sitting out front, he either waived, or shook his fist at you, if you happened to be driving too fast, according to Larry, down Highway 46.

He was also quick to let you know that he was a proud Norwegian, especially if you weren’t.

Larry was always a hard worker and has had many jobs over the years from working at Bak’s Electric, Ace Hardware, and being on staff at Celebrate Church in Sioux Falls.

Above all though, Larry loved two things the most, and that is his family, and Jesus.  He leaves behind his loving wife Carol whom he adored.  If you ever had the privilege of seeing them dance, you witnessed two of the best dancers out there!  They floated on air!  They were married for 60 wonderful years, and they were by each other’s side right down to the very end. 

He also leaves behind his son Dan, who was the light of his world.  Proud Papa in every sense of the word.  Larry and Carol never missed any of Dan’s ball games, he coached Dan’s baseball teams, and the father and son duo did many projects together.  If you asked Larry, the reason that they were successful in completing their projects, it’s because they were both Norwegian. (Even though they both have some Dane in them too.) Once again, Larry’s sense of humor was on display!  

In the end, while Larry was battling cancer and in the fight of his life in the hospitals, he would always say that he just wanted to go home.  Be at his home, with his family, and his faithful cat Rudy on his lap.  However, Larry’s illness would not allow him to go back to his home in Irene.

Carol and Dan now find comfort in knowing that Larry did finally get to go home.  Home with Jesus.