Clara Joan Bakke: A Eureka Grandmother Who Always Had Flowers in the Yard and Something Baking in the Kitchen

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Clara Joan Bakke
August 22, 1928 – May 23, 2026

Clara Joan Bakke of Eureka, CA, was born on August 22, 1928 and passed away on May 23, 2026. She is survived by her sons; Randy and wife Kathy, Michael and wife Sandy. Also surviving Clara is sister Carol Steward of Lakeview, OR. Preceding Clara in death were her husband Orville, son Steve, and 7 siblings. Clara was one of 9 children who grew up in northern Minnesota with parents Frank and Josephine Griffith. Her mother passed away at age 34, leaving her father and 9 children ranging from six weeks to 14 years old. Clara met Orville and they married in Bemidji, Minnesota on December 7, 1946, where they soon started a family. They moved to Eureka, CA in 1955 where they raised their family. Clara and Orville were married for 65 years until Orville’s passing in 2012. Clara worked for many years at Cloney’s Red Cross Pharmacy in Eureka. She loved flowers and always had a colorful display in her yard. She also loved to bake and always seemed to be in the kitchen baking pies, cookies and cakes. But what truly made her happy and put a big smile on her face was her family. Clara loved being a grandma to Brian, Lauren, Erik, Annie, Cindy, and Jeff as well as a great grandma to A.J., Kate, Maxine, and Rhett. And they loved her so much. Clara will be missed by all who knew and loved her. No services will be held as per Clara’s request.