Joseph "Joe" Bak, age 90, of Fertile, Minnesota, died Wednesday, September 22, 2010, in the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile.

Joseph E. Bak was born August 7, 1920, the son of John and Emma (Garden) Bak on the family farm in Sundal Township where he was raised. As a young man, he worked on the family farm until entering the United States Army during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater until his honorable discharge in 1946. At that time, Joe farmed with his uncle and later purchased the farm. Joe was united in marriage to Joyce Lene. The couple farmed until the mid 1980's when he sold it to his son, Joel. Joe continued to live on the farm until last fall, when he entered the Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile.

Joe enjoyed traveling and was especially good with taking interesting pictures along the way. He got along well with most everyone he met and liked spending time visiting with his neighbors. Joe was a talented musician. He shared that talent with others when he played his accordion, guitar and banjo and would sing with his friends at a good jam session. Joe was a very honest man and had a strong faith in God. He was always willing to help out if he could such as driving his neighbors places when they would ask him. Joe enjoyed being around his family and treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe is survived by Joyce Bak of Fertile and sons, James (Julie) Bak Fertile, MN and Joel Bak of Warroad, MN; nine grandchildren, Scott Bak, Lonnie Bak, Steven Bak, Cody Bak, Julian Bak, Jennifer (Brent) Carlson, Janna Bak, Jeanice (Chad) Horton, Jessica Bak and ten great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sons, Jerry and John and one sister, Edna Christenson.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 2:00 PM in Sundal Lutheran Church, rural Fertile. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Officiating will be Pastor John Ahola with Jenny Hanson serving as organist and Diane Littlefield serving as vocalist. Pallbearers will be Scott Bak, Lonnie Bak, Steven Bak, Cody Bak, Julian Bak, Jim Narum and Darin Narum. Military honors will be provided by the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Inurnment will be in Sundal Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile.