Paul G. Bakker's Obituary
In the early morning hours of June 17, 2023, Paul George Bakker, age 66, left his earthly body, so infirm with pancreatic cancer, and joyfully joined his Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. Paul was born on January 24, 1957, to Willem Jan Bakker and Johanna Harmiena (Land) Bakker. He attended Calvin University where he met his wife Laura Beth Meindertsma and graduated in 1980 with a BA in Business. He and Laura were married on August 25, 1979, and enjoyed 43 years together. They raised three sons: Nicholas (Carissa) Bakker, Marshall (Maris) Bakker and Connor (Jessica) Bakker. They all survive him, as do 10 grandchildren: Weston, Jaylon, Hudson, George, Chloe, Olivia, Malachi, Knox, Henry, and Tarek. Paul is also survived by his mother-in-law Ione Hoekenga, sister-in-law Ellen Bakker, brothers Harry Bakker, Bernie (Jane Kapteyn) Bakker, his twin Ralph (Diane) Bakker, Wilmar (Melinda) Bakker, and his brother-in-law Bill Helmus. Paul was preceded in death by his brother Bert Bakker, sister Anne Helmus, and sisters-in-law Irene Bakker and Betty Bakker. Paul was employed for 39 years in food service operations, retiring from his position as VP of Operations at Creative Dining Services, Inc. in 2019. Paul’s servant heart led him to serve as an elder at Plymouth Heights CRC in Grand Rapids, on the Ada Christian School Board, on the Sunset Retirement Communities Board, as a Kids’ Hope mentor, and to lead and volunteer in several mens’ ministries and groups at Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven. Paul loved golf, boating on Spring Lake, and playing pickle ball. Paul will be remembered for his gifts of leadership, mentoring, creating relationships, friendship, faithful service to others, and a strong dedication to growing a love of Jesus in his children and grandchildren. Above all, Paul will be remembered as a man who lived in the sure knowledge and conviction that he belongs to his Savior and will live with him forever. Visitation with Paul’s family will be Wednesday, June 21, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Covenant Life Church, 101 Columbus St., Grand Haven. A service to remember and celebrate Paul’s life will be Thursday, June 22, at 11:00 AM, also at the church. Burial will take place at Spring Lake Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Paul may be made to Covenant Life Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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