Erik Bakstad

Erik O. Bakstad, 85 of Lake Hiawatha passed away peacefully on March 7, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Galante Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Ave. Caldwell on Friday at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation is on Thursday from 6-9 PM.

Born in Englewood, Erik grew up in Norway before moving back to the United States in 1949. He enlisted in the US Army, and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After marrying, he and his wife lived in East Orange before moving to Lake Hiawatha 58 years ago. Erik was an electrical engineer at Automatic Switch in Florham Park for 38 years before retiring in 1993. Erik had a huge passion for music, especially the saxophone and trumpet. His family and close neighbors always enjoyed the delightful sound of his music coming from his home during the morning hours. He also played weddings and parties with his band for many years, and was a regular performer at the Hofbrauhaus in the Atlantic Highlands.

Erik was the beloved husband of Gertrud (nee Rother); loving father of David, Alan, Erik, Tammy and the late Reiner and Harry Bakstad; wonderful grandfather of Erika, David Scott, Tommy, Daniel, Ashley, Glenn, Jr., Stephanie, Katie, Darius, Jenna, Amanda and Erik, and great-grandfather of seven.