Mr. Delbert "Del" Baars Jr.'s Obituary
Delbert J. Baars, Jr., 76, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Del was born in Fremont, Michigan to Delbert and Helen (Dratz) Baars on April 13, 1944. As a young child, he moved to Muskegon, where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Muskegon High School and earned his degree from Muskegon Community College. He was an apprentice meat cutter for many years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. In 1968, he married Toni (McCarthy), his childhood sweetheart. They spent 52 years together and were best friends. They have two sons, Jeffery (Sylvain Giroux) Baars of Pompano Beach, Florida and Troy Baars of Saline, Michigan, and two grandchildren, Joshua and Megan Baars of Saline, Michigan. He was so proud of his family, and they meant the world to him. He is survived by his sisters, Randee (Perry) Siler of Baldwin, Michigan and Naia Ahern of Muskegon; as well as his sisters-in-law, Michelle Wroblewski of Norton Shores, Sylvia (Glenn) Baird of Grand Rapids, Marianne (Bill) Mikkelsen of Novi, and Chris Zahrt of Muskegon. Del is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he loved being with and telling campfire stories to. Del was a Golden Eagle member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a lifetime member of the American Legion, Lakeside Vets Club, Lithuanian Club, and the Polish Union. He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Upon returning from the Army, he was hired into the Muskegon Piston Ring and worked there for 21 years, up to their closure. He then went to work at the Muskegon Correctional Facility, where he was honored by the Governor of Michigan as Officer of the Year, until his retirement. Del bowled for many years for the Muskegon Heights Eagles with best friend Vic and enjoyed Saturday afternoons at the club with his buddies. Del also golfed with several leagues, finally teaching Toni how to golf as well, and they took numerous trips to Myrtle Beach. Del and Toni loved to travel and made lots of memories. Some of his favorite times were extended family camping trips and driving his beloved Corvette. He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Sylvan and Joan McCarthy, whom he called the best-in-laws EVER and always said he was lucky to have. He was also preceded in death by his side-kick brother-in-law, Tony Wroblewski - with whom he enjoyed years of great times and stories - his brother-in-law Floyd Zahrt, and his nephew Danny Streevey. A private family service will be held Friday, February 12, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. A service to celebrate and remember Del’s life will be held Thursday, August 5, at Hagars Hideaway, 3156 Lakeshore Dr., Muskegon, 49441 from 2-5 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Baars may be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or Kid’s Food Basket. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441.
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