Honorary Swedish Consul, South Metro Resident Dies at 87: Recent Deaths

Phyllis E. Bakke 

Phyllis E. Bakke, of Mendota Heights, passed away on July 16, 2013. She was 87 years old.

Bakke was a lifetime member of the American Swedish Institute, Gammelgarden Museum and a founding member of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce of Minneapolis. For five decades, she worked for the Swedish Consulate in Minneapolis, ending as Honorary Consul. In 1995, she received the Royal Order of the Polar Star from HRH King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Bakke. Bakke is survived by brother-in-law, Orville Bakke; distant cousins and many dear friends. 

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, in Minneapolis and also one hour before the service at church on Monday. A funeral service for Bakke will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Minnehaha Communion Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Interment will take place at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Memorials  to the church, the American Swedish Institute or Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia, MN are preferred in lieu of flowers. 

Sharon A. Troje

Sharon A. Troje, of Eagan, passed away on July 13, 2013 at the age of 65.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Troje and her father, Richard Smith.

Troje is survived by her son, Christopher (Julie) Troje; her daughter, Angie (Joseph) Drew; two grandchildren, Alexa and Dylan Drew; her mother, Mary Smith; three sisters, Steph Smith, Sue (John) Zustiak, and Vicki (Chuck) Collins; two brothers, Rich (Kimberle) Smith and Andy (Nikki) Smith; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Beverly Sullwold

Beverly “Bev” Ann (Bielke) Sullwold died unexpectedly at her home in Eagan, MN on July 14th, 2013. She was 67.

Sullwold's family describes her as an adventurous and open-minded soul who was often known to say “I will try anything once.” One of her favorite spots was the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Sullwold loved to take her four granddaughters on treks through the arboretum. 

She and her husband Larry recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. 

Sullwold is survived by her husband, Larry; her sister, Sharon (Archie) Sybrandt; her brother, Donald “Butch” (Sue) Bielke; son, Darin (Lissa) Sullwold; daughter, Jodi (Damon) Schuler and four granddaughters Maddie (14), Kayla (13), Alexis (six), and Avery (three) as well as many nieces, nephews and other close friends.