Helene Bakke was born on October 6, 1939, to John and Anna Egeland, the youngest of 4 children.  The Egelands lived on their family farm in Fjotland, Kvinesdal.  At 14 she went to the big city of Kristiansand to work.  Here she cooked for large restaurants and met the love of her life, Alfred Bakke.

Like many thousands of other Norwegians, she and her fiancé Alfred made the decision to emigrate to the U.S.A. for better opportunities, leaving in 1959.  Alfred trained to be a carpenter, (eventually opening up his own Flooring Business), while Helene began to be employed as a housekeeper and soon after as a cook in restaurants.

They married shortly after arriving and had four children - Jan Arvid, Steven, Arlene and Roy.  Pa (Alfred) established a flooring business in 1959 with other Norwegians. When his 2 sons were old enough they joined him and created a family business, now known as Nordic Floors, which is still operational.

With the success of one family business under their belts, they decided to open another one this time with the help of Helene and Arlene.  Veering in an entirely different direction, cuisine, they established Nordic Deli in 1987. The wonderful cooking, family synergy and the comfortable atmosphere they created made Nordic Deli a gathering place for Norwegian Americans and their Bay Ridge neighbors, whether you wished to grab a coffee and waffles or learn about current news in the Norwegian American or local community. Helene alongside her daughter Arlene delighted locals and those far beyond with their flaky kringles, tasty fish puddings and perfectly aged ribbe.

Whenever you went to Nordic you could be sure of Helene's bright mischievous smile, an enticing aroma of cardamom wafting from the kitchen and that the television was faithfully tuned in to Fox News.  This well-loved Bay Ridge icon lasted for 28 years and is still sorely missed, not just for the food, but also for Helene.

When the business closed, Helene retired to Staten Island where she continued to be involved with one of her deepest loves - cooking.  Neighbors and friends often consulted her on recipes and asked for suggestions. Unfortunately, she lost 2 of her beloved family members, her son Roy in 2018 and her husband Alfred in 2022.

Helene is survived by her children: Jan Arvid, Steven, (fiancé -Nancy), Arlene and Roy's wife Holly. Her 12 grandchildren: Danielle, Paul (Married to Ashley) Vinny, Olivia (married to Esteban), Brian, Angela , Anthony, Emily, Roy Jr., Abby, Ashley (married to Anthony) and  Dillon ( married to Jeanine. And her 8 great grandchildren, Alexa, Avery, Madison, Lucas, Julianna, Nicolina, Liam and James.

She will be missed by her large family and all of those who cherished her.  Farvell Helene! Till we meet again.


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Visitation
Sunday (4/21)
2 PM - 6 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available


Funeral Service
Monday (4/22)
11 AM

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
6935 4th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11209


In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Helene Bakke to:

Norwegian Christian Home & Health Center