William 'Bill' Dumke

Bill Dumke, 85, of Baxter, MN, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on November 27, 2024, in Brainerd. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the start of the service with a meal to follow. 

Bill was born on September 30, 1939, to Earl and Dorothy (Zugschwerdt) Dumke in Webster, SD. They moved to MN when he was 9, where he helped his parents with a fishing resort and farm, learning hard work at a young age. He attended and graduated from Aitkin High School. 

On May 6, 1961, he married Sandi Rognrud. They had three beautiful daughters, Lori, Lisa and Gwen. 

Bill retired as a Forester for the DNR after 23 years of service. He then started his own real estate brokerage firm, called Northwood Real Estate, alongside Sandi, who was also a Realtor. They ran that business for many years, retiring in 2004. 

Bill adored his family and loved spending time with them. He was also a true nature enthusiast, enjoying many years of hunting and fishing with good friends. He spent a lot of time in the wilderness, where he felt the most peace. He built a log cabin in the woods and worked many years clearing acres of land for roads and paths so that family and friends could enjoy the property too. He loved hosting “Shack Attack” parties there. He reveled in teaching his grandchildren all about nature. He appreciated the beauty and tranquility of living with Sandi at their lake homes on Gull lake, Lake Ossawinnamakee and a small, private lake. Later in life, he and Sandi started a large organic vegetable garden. That would be his passion for years to come. He wrote many books of short stories about his extraordinary life experiences, Christianity and of course, organic farming. 

Grateful for sharing Bill’s life are his wife of 63 years, Sandi, Children; Lisa (Monty) and Gwen (Will) Eggert, Grandchildren; Lindsey (Bryan) Eastvold, Koley Giese, Nathan, Emily (Drew) Mitchell and Ben (Jade), Nephews; Mark (Rose) Esche, Adam, Todd (Deb) Esche, Daniel and Matt and great-grandchildren Sydney, Drake, Molly, Erisa, Eagan, Matteo, Sophie, Vera, Josiah and Oliver. 

Bill is proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Arlene Esche, daughter Lori Underdahl, Son-in-law Doug Underdahl and nephew Junior Esche. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.