Edel Dorthea Bakstad

Edel Dorthea Bakstad, of Rancho Palos Verdes, passed away on January 27, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Born in 1933 in Oppdal, Norway to Gyda Wognild and Aage Aune, Edel grew up surrounded by a large extended family in the small community of Vognill. Edel moved to Trondheim to study business and after graduation worked as a bookkeeper at Nidar chocolate factory and at the Edda radio factory. At a local dance she met Paal and, after he completed his studies. they were married in 1961 and moved to Lillestrom, Norway. 

Early in their marriage Paal and Edel spent a year in Berkeley, enjoying California so much they decided to return in 1968 after the birth of their daughter. They settled in Rancho Palos Verdes and their son was born soon after. Edel loved her life on the Peninsula and was always there for her kids, actively supporting them in all their activities. Edel and Paal also enjoyed their many long friendships built through the local Norwegian community in Los Angeles, often anchored in events at Nansen Field and the Norwegian Seamen’s Church. For many years Edel happily worked as a part-time bookkeeper for a local jeweler and volunteered as treasurer and secretary for Sportsklubben Fram. She traveled often to Norway to visit her mom, sister, in-laws and cousins, and when not there kept in touch through weekly phone calls. 

Edel is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Paal Bakstad, and is survived by her children Anne Sofie and Paal Hjalmar, her grandchildren Carina, Eric, Rex, and Axel, and her sister Torill. Edel will be missed by all her family and friends who loved her very much. Celebrations of life are being planned for later this year in Los Angeles and Oppdal.