Obituary of Frederick Bakker

Frederick "Fred/Fritz" Bakker, son of Bouke and Trientje (Holtrop) Bakker, was born near Primghar, IA on May 1, 1918. He spent his youth and grew up on his parent’s farm near Sanborn, IA. Fred attended Center Township #3 country school through the eighth grade. He helped his father with their farming endeavor until he was 17 years old. Along with the usual farm chores, he loved to ride and work with horses. After working on the family farm, he hired out to various farmers for about four years.  He then worked as a carpenter for roughly three years. In 1942, Fred served his country when he was drafted into the United States Army. He was wounded twice during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. 

    On December 17, 1947, Fred was united in marriage to Harriet (Van Maanen) in Rock Valley, IA. They began their married life together on a farm south of Sanborn where they raised their family and were engaged in agriculture for 37 years. In 1984, they moved into the town of Sanborn.

    When Harriet passed away in 2000, Fred continued to reside in their home for most of next 17-plus years. He made his own meals, transported widow ladies around town and baked for his family members for Sunday afternoon lunches. He was a member of Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Sanborn. Some of his favorite activities included woodworking, bowling, playing pool, card games, dominoes, and especially, driving his car. Fred passed from this life on February 16, 2018 at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, reaching the age of 99 years.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Harriet; two brothers: John and Bert Bakker; and five sisters: Allie Hoekstra, Kate Vander Haag, Edith Van Heuvelen, Jennie (Zonnefeld) Reitsma, and Gezina Zuiderhof.

    Fred is survived by three sons and their wives: Verlyn and Bethann Bakker, Gene and Beth Bakker all of Sanborn, and Randy and Sheila Bakker of Hillsboro, OR; 14 grandchildren: Joshua, Shane and Caleb Bakker, Caresa (Josh) Carney, Nathan (Carrie) Bakker, Joah (Heather) Bakker, Kelsey (Jon) Covey, Haylee (Alex) Spronk, Briana (Marshall) Williams, Briana (Alan) Visser, Emily Hidalgo, Jonae Johnson, Ryan and Amanda Bakker; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.  

Celebration of Life

Frederick "Fred" Bakker

Born ~ May 1, 1918 

Died ~ February 16, 2018

Age ~ 99 years    9 months    15 days

Memorial Service

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 ~ 11:00 a.m.

Cornerstone United Reformed Church

Sanborn, Iowa

Clergy ~ Rev. Daniel Donovan

Organist ~ Donna Hofman

Pianist ~ Brenda DeBoer

Musical Tribute

Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

"His Eye Is On The Sparrow"

"Jesus Loves Me"

Congregational Singing

Processional ~ "Amazing Grace"  #380

Recessional ~ "By The Sea Of Crystal"  #369

Pallbearers

Joshua Bakker    Shane Bakker    Caleb Bakker

Nathan Bakker   Joah Bakker     Ryan Bakker

Ushers

Rod Den Hartog      Phil Bootsma

Military Graveside Rites

Sanborn American Legion

Earl T. Conaway Post #318

Interment

Roseland Cemetery

Sanborn, Iowa