The family of Kory David Bakkum, 63, of Townsend, Montana is heartbroken to announce that he died unexpectedly on December 2, 2025, leaving us shattered and grieving the loss of the man who was the center of our world.
Kory was born on August 10, 1962 at Livingston Memorial Hospital, in Livingston, Montana to Byron “Ben” Bakkum and Beverly (Blessum.) He grew up in Livingston with his older sister Kim and graduated from Park High in 1981.
Kory played basketball at Mayville State University and earned many honors with the Comets. He was a 6’8” forward who set a record for the most points scored by a freshman (301.) He went on to be named All-Conference three times and in 1985 was named All-District 12, MVP of the NDCAC, Most Valuable Senior in the NDCAC, the leading rebounder in District 12 and the fifth in rebounding nation-wide. A four-year starter, he was instrumental in bringing NDCAC championships to Mayville State in 1983 and 1985. Kory played semi-professional basketball in Bamberg, West Germany and Melbourne, Australia. In 1997, Kory was inducted into the Mayville State University Athletic Hall of Fame. This was the first time that MSU had both a father and son inducted into the Hall of Fame and his dad, Ben, was so proud to be the one to present the award.
Kory began his career as a math teacher and coach in Halliday, North Dakota. After two years, he moved to Victor, Montana where he taught for just over a decade. In 1997, he married Denise (Anderson) and they remained in Victor until 2001. From 2001 until his retirement in 2016, Kory taught in Townsend, Montana. While in Townsend, he coached basketball and volleyball, even assisting in their State Championship season. He served one year as the head volleyball coach, and then named himself “the worst volleyball coach in the history of Townsend Schools!” Kory taught both of his own children in their high school math classes. After retirement, he subbed and volunteered and eventually he jumped in as a custodian in the new elementary school. At the time of his death, Kory was the “big tall janitor” on the second floor. His love for kids of all ages made the job something he looked forward to. He had as many great stories about the littles as he had when he taught the bigs.
Kory also had a career on the golf course. Not as a professional golfer, although he probably could have, but as a groundskeeper. His years at Old Baldy saw him go from mowing and weed-eating to becoming the official superintendent. The course was a source of pride and frustration! He kept it green and made it better. He loved it and hated it and cussed it and missed it when the season ended.
Kory and his son, John, shared a love for math and all things sports. He watched John develop his talent for basketball and golf, not just as a player, but as a coach. He loved the way John’s mind worked and he was so proud of the man he had become. Kory taught him through word and deed to work hard, to be humble. John followed in his dad’s footprints, as a teacher and coach in Fairfield. Kory and Denise had planned to try to make it to as many Eagles games as possible this season to “watch John coach.”
Kory took every opportunity to drive to Missoula to be with his daughter, Joy. From the moment she was born, she stole his heart. She made him giggle like nobody else could. He liked to say that because of her he got to see the world. She led us to NYC and Vegas. She pulled him out of his comfort zone and fascinated him with her talent on the stage. One of his proudest moments was watching her on stage in the MCT production of “Puffs.” They talked about cooking, and dogs and they shared that mischievous sense of humor. She was the light of his life.
Kory is loved beyond measure by his wife, Denise, and their children, John and Joy. He will be forever missed by his sister, Kim. He married into a big loud family and he loved them all. Even if he called you a “freak” he meant it with love. He leaves behind that family which includes Denise’s parents, John and Amy; Denise’s siblings and their children: Jason (Jessica) and Eli; Chris: and Jenny (Kyle). He was so proud to be Uncle Kory to Miya, Sylvia, Jenny and Percy. He loved Denise’s Grandma Jean and Grandpa Herb. He enjoyed Christmas in Shawmut and spending time with all of Denise’s aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kory’s parents, Ben and Beverly preceded him in death. We believe he is safely in God’s hands, but we will miss him for the rest of our lives.
To honor his legacy, the Kory Bakkum Memorial Scholarship has been established. This scholarship will help future students pursue their goals with the same determination and heart that defined Kory’s life. Donations in his honor may be made to this fund.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00pm
Saturday December 13, 2025
Broadwater High School
201 N Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Service
Saturday December 13, 2025
Deep Creek Cemetery
50 Deep Creek Road
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday December 13, 2025
Broadwater High School
201 N Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00pm
Saturday December 13, 2025
Broadwater High School
201 N Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Service
Saturday December 13, 2025
Deep Creek Cemetery
50 Deep Creek Road
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday December 13, 2025
Broadwater High School
201 N Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Deb Ostrem Schmaltz says
Kory was my first cousin. We had many great memories of Grandpa and Grandma’s farm. I haven’t seen Kory in years but I followed his Facebook page. He loved his family. He loved his community. The school kids were his pride and joy. Just like his parents, he loved the golf course. Condolences to the family.
Scott Burke says
Kory was a dear friend. We grew up four houses down the street from each other and graduated high school together. Great neighborhood memories and endless basketball games on the snowy Westside School courts. His parents Ben and Bev patiently put up with our many adventures and Kim is a friend of my sister Diana. Kory will be missed and my prayers go out to his family.
Kris Larson says
oh my gosh. I haven’t seen Kory since high school but he was one of the sweetest guys on earth. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. 🩷
Kasey Krone says
I had the privilege to student teach under Kory in the fall of 1993. His sense of humor in the classroom was a huge influence on me. He taught me that math might be boring for some kids so keeping it fun in class really goes a long way in helping kids succeed.
Dennis and Tina Pings says
Denise, John, and Joy,
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I am writing this message. Kory was an outstanding man—an incredible husband, father, teacher, and community volunteer. He was one of the first people I met when I got a job at Victor, and we taught side-by-side for several years. Not only that, but we also volunteered together for the same fire and ambulance service.
Kory was one of the kindest and most giving individuals I have ever met. He treated our children as though they were his own. One of the funniest memories I have of him was when we were all going camping. My middle daughter absolutely adored Kory and would do anything just to spend time with him. She was probably in kindergarten at the time, and Kory asked her if she wanted to ride up with him a little early to the campsite. Shanna was up about four hours early, waiting at the door for his arrival.
Kory later told us that Shanna barely said two words to him the entire trip unless he asked her a question. When they were getting close to the campground, Kory pulled over on a gravel road to grab a beer for the rest of the drive. He got back in the truck, opened it, and took a drink. Shanna looked at him and said, “You know it’s illegal to drink and drive.” Kory pulled the truck over again, got out, put the beer back in the cooler, and drove the rest of the way to camp without another sip.
Kory, you were one of the truest friends I have ever had. It has always been a joy to watch you grow as a father and to watch your beautiful family grow as well. You will be missed by all.
With love,
Dennis and Tina Pings
JOHN says
Only knowing Cory in passing through the years, His eulogy could have been written for his parents as well. Mrs., Bakkum was one of the most pleasant ladies I ever knew, and his father Ben was one of my all-time best teacher/friends I had in my long life. To his family I send my prayers. What a great legacy.
Tamara Robb says
Denise John Joy. I grew up with Kory and Kim. I haven’t seen Kory since High School. Sending my condolences to all of you. I know Kory, will be missed by all.
Willow Yettet Ross says
Kory we grew up and were great friends between family and school. I’m going to miss all of your stories and experiences you have and were waiting to happen. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Billy Joe Koch says
I can’t believe he is gone! Kory was a great Park High Ranger, friend and wonderful spirit! I hadn’t seen him since he graduated, but his memory lives on in my heart. God speed, Kory!
Lorrie Vennes says
Denise and family,
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a joy when you moved to Townsend to reconnect with Kory again as I babysat him and Kim when they were younger. He was very full of mischief then. May your memories bring you peace.
Lorrie Vennes
NickT says
Denise & Kim,
Deeply saddened from the unexpected passing of Kory. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Sher Loomis says
Denise and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, I didn’t know Kory except in passing in the school halls of Townsend schools but he always had a smile and a nod for me. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Sher Loomis
Nancy Putz says
Dear Denise and Family,
We are so very sorry to read of your loss of Kory. Please accept our condolences. Nancy, Paul and Vincent
Scott & Debbie Rowland says
We were heartbroken to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Denise, his children and all whose lives he touched. We knew him thru our adventures at Painted Rocks lake. We enjoyed watching him tube as we’d center him behind the boat and then add 3 others. Because of Kory’s long arms and legs the others didn’t stand a chance. You can imagine what took place! Kory always won the battle! But eventually we got him off the tube as well. Anyways, always a happy soul and enjoyed so much by us! Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
J.kitt says
My granddaughter knew him in high-school and after graduating 6 years ago she always took him a container of fudge at xmas time because it was the best he had ever had.