Richard Bakeberg

Richard Bakeberg, age 76, of Frederick died Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.

The funeral service will be 10:30am, Monday, April 27, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating. Burial at Wayside Cemetery, Frederick, at a later date.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00pm, Sunday, followed by a prayer service at 7:00pm, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street in Aberdeen. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service.

Richard Allen Bakeberg was born on Nov. 9, 1949, in Ortonville, MN to Neola (Winger) and Williard Bakeberg. Rich attended school in Ortonville, graduating in 1967. He attended technical school in Canby, MN for mechanics. After graduating from technical school, he entered the United States Air Force and was proud to have served in Taiwan and Germany. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1973. Upon returning to Ortonville he met Gayle A. Maunu and they were united in marriage on September 21, 1974, at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville. The couple made their home in Frederick, SD where they raised their three children, Ryan, Jeremy, and Nathan.

Rich became a Frederick local almost instantly and worked various jobs in the area, including the Cenex CO-OP, the Elevator, and School. In 1998 he started working for United Defense/BAE Systems and retired in 2015. He did not slow down in retirement but kept busy by continuing to work and volunteer for Frederick, as a bus driver for vocational students and area farmers.

His passion for serving others was evident as he was awarded the Farmer’s Union Volunteer of the year award in 2019. Some of the committees he was most proud of were his time with the Frederick Area Fire Department and EMT Service, Lynn G. Peterson Legion Post 273, and as caretaker for the Wayside Cemetery. He was a faithful steward of the Frederick Development Corporation, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and the Frederick Area School District. He appreciated all who helped and supported him.

Rich enjoyed being a member and playing for the Ponderosa men’s softball team. Golfing, hunting and fishing were always special to him. His spirit was fulfilled through his unwavering support of Frederick school activities, remaining a dedicated fan long after his sons graduated. And he was always the first to remind his family of the yearly west river deer hunting trips.

He looked forward to and cherished time with his grandchildren. Often traveling to Warner and Milbank, SD as well as Redwood Falls, MN to watch their activities and cheer them on. Or sharing nature with them—something he loved deeply.

Rich and Gayle made meaningful memories of their travels, spending time on Big Stone Lake, and found joy in simply being together. Time in the backyard, watching, listening and enjoying all nature provided them was especially cherished. Springtime was a highlight with the arrival of all the birds who made the backyard home. His gratitude for the love and support from his wife, family, and friends was unwavering.

Rich is survived by Gayle, wife of 52 years; sons Ryan (Susan), Jeremy (Kristin), and Nathan (Casey). Grandchildren Drew, Noah, Claire, Madsen, Reed and Karlie Bakeberg, Joshua, Sean, and Ryan Keeton. Siblings: Dennis Bakeberg and Cheryl (Steven) Parks; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Willard and Neola Bakeberg, brothers Darwin and David Bakeberg, sister-in-law Paulette Bakeberg, brother-in-law Randall Bakeberg, brother-in-law Donald S. Maunu and nephew Kory Bakeberg.