Virginia 'Babe'E. Gardas 86, of Kenyon, formerly of White Bear Lake died Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born December 29, 1922 in Proctor, Minnesota the daughter of Otto and Bergliot (Oseth) Bakken. Virginia grew up and graduated high school in Proctor, MN. She then married Bill Gardas in 1945 and the couple lived in St. Paul. She worked for Gordon Ferguson Sporting Goods Store, and Bungalow Bakery. The couple then moved to White Bear Lake where they lived for over fifty years. While in White Bear Virginia was a homemaker, involved with meals on wheels, VFW Auxiliary and a very energetic volunteer. William died November 17, 2000. For the past three years Virginia has lived in Mahtomedi, Wanamingo, and most recently the Gunderson Gardens in Kenyon. She is survived by her nephews, Richard G. (and Sandra) Olson of Nerstrand, Ralph E. 'Pudge' Olson of Salt Lake City, Gerald (and Judy) Bakken of Plymouth, David (and Marianne) Bakken of Arkansas, and Gary (and Barbara) Bakken of California. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews, and gret great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Finn and Aage Bakken , sister Gerd Olson, and nephew Ronald Olson. A celebration of Virginia's life on her birthday will be at Michaelson Funeral Home/Kenyon on Tuesday December 29 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials are preferred to the Humane Society. Visitation: 12/29/2009 17:00 12/29/2009 19:00 Service: 12/29/2009 19:00