James “Jim” Steven Bak, age 74, of Fertile, Minnesota, died Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Essentia Hospital, Fargo, ND.
James S. Bak was born on August 9, 1949, the son of Joseph and Joyce (Lene) Bak in Crookston, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm in Bear Park Township. As a young man, Jim worked on the family farm and did custom baling with his dad. He also worked at the Rindal Creamery. After graduation, Jim began hauling gravel for Donnie Bakken. Jim was united in marriage on June 14, 1975, to Julie Ann Erickson. Soon after, they bought a farmstead not far from his family home and raised dairy cows. After selling his herd, he purchased a septic tank truck and spent many years cleaning tanks. He also did seasonal farm work throughout the years, still hauling beets last fall. He loved farm work.
Jim enjoyed snowmobiling and motorcycling in his younger years and getting together with his friends in the sandhills. He had a passion for tractors and could fix just about anything. He loved a good project and spent many hours in his shop. In his later years he bought a golf cart and put many miles on cruising with their dog Roxy and the grandkids looking for wildlife and visiting the neighbors. Jim especially enjoyed his grandkids and sharing his knowledge of mechanics and love of nature. You never had to wonder what Jim was thinking, he valued honesty and hard work. He was always willing to help, even if there were a few grumbles along the way. Jim will truly be missed by those who loved him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Julie Bak; daughters, Jeanice (Steve) Soli and Jessica (Brian) Bak, all of Fertile, MN; seven grandchildren, Chris (Jordyn) Moser, Shawn Moser, Jayden (James) Horton, Damon Horton, Jax Horgeshimer, Jase Horgeshimer and Willa Horgeshimer; brother, Joel Bak, Warroad, MN; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Jerry and John.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN, with visitation one hour before the memorial service at the funeral home. No need to wear dress clothes, Jim would think that was foolish.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
