Obituary of Pearle Bak

BAK PEARLE JEANETTE

Pearle J. (Thompson) Bak, age 94 of Menno, SD passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD.  Visitation will be Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 pm at Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Menno. Memorial service will be 10:30 am on Saturday May 3, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Menno. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

She was born on February 4, 1930, to James C and Ruby (Reeves) Thompson in rural Irene, SD.  She was baptized and confirmed at Elim Lutheran Church, Irene.  Pearle attended Cornbelt District #71 for eight years and graduated from Irene High School in 1947.  After graduation, she went to work at Farmer’s State Bank, Irene.

On July 8, 1948, Pearle was united in marriage to Merton A. Bak, and they made their home in Irene.  She continued working at the bank until the birth of their first child.  She was an active member at the Irene Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed a study group that consisted of young mothers. 

Three more children were added to the family and the family moved to Clearwater, Utah in 1960 where Merton was employed by Hartman Co. 

After the birth of the fifth child, the family moved to Menno, SD where Merton and Pearle owned and operated Bak Auto Body. The family wasn’t finished growing and two more children were added.

In 1973, they moved to Owatonna, MN, where Merton owned and operated Owatonna Ford Tractor with one of his brothers.

Eight months later, the family moved to Baraboo, WI, where Merton owned and operated Baraboo Ford Tractor. The family settled into the community and became active members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Pearle was a member of the church choir and Ladies Circle.

Pearle’s other interests included crafting and bowling.  She was a member/officer of the Elks Ladies Bowling Association and a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi.

After selling Baraboo Ford Tractor, Merton and Pearle owned and operated Bak Used Cars until their retirement.  In retirement, they enjoyed seeing the United States travelling in their 5^th wheel and escaping the winter weather.  Florida and Arizona were their favorite spots.

Pearle was preceded in death by her parents, husband Merton, son Alan, son-in-law Brian, daughter-in-law Chris, and great granddaughter Kinnsley.  Also, by siblings George, Harold, Anna, Fern, Myrtle and Mabel.

Survived by children: Len Thompson, Marla (Timothy) Fischer, Kevin Bak, Joni (Robert) Kuehn, Julie (Ritchie) Piltz, and Kyle Bak.

Grandchildren: Alan Fischer, Nathan (Melissa) Fischer, Nicholas (Allie) Fischer, Heather Bak, Kelsey Kuehn, Jensen Kuehn, Rory (Kevin) Hopkins, Chelsea (Will) Moore, Cody (Jamie) Hinze and Kailyn Bak.

Great grandchildren: Owen, Olivia, Harrison, Josephine, Sienna, Maddisyn and Maliyah Fischer, Ethan Luck, Isaac and Ulric Kovas, CeCe and Tallon Mitchell and Kylie Jo Hinze.

Other relatives and friends.

Pearle’s family would like to express their gratitude to relatives and friends for their love and prayers.