BAKKER, Walter M. 1872-1942

BAKKER, KRUSE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/5/2017 at 20:33:49

Walter M. Bakker Died Saturday From Stroke

Was Stricken Late Friday Afternoon And Did Not Regain Consciousness Before The End Came

Walter M. Bakker died at the home of his son Wilbur, a half mile north of Grundy Center, at one o'clock Saturday morning following a stroke late Friday afternoon. A light stroke came first, followed by a more serious attack a little later. About a year ago Mr. Bakker suffered a first stroke from which he seemed to have entirely recovered. He had been feeling well up to the time he was stricken and had helped some with field work and work about the farm.

Mr. Bakker was 69 years old. 67 years of his life were spent in Grundy county and excepting a short period that he and his wife lived in Grundy Center he resided continually on a Grundy county farm. During the early part of his married life the family lived on a Lincoln township farm. In 1917 he purchased the large farm directly north of Grundy Center and that was his home until he moved to Grundy Center. He made this one of the best improved farms in Grundy county. Mr. Bakker understood and he liked farming and he was successful in his many years of farming operations. He gained a wide acquaintance during the many years he resided in Grundy county and he had the confidence and high regard of all who knew him.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. at the Wilbur Bakker home, and then to the Bethany Presbyterian church, the Rev. F. J. Langenberg officiating. Interment was at the Colfax Center cemetery.

The following obituary was read by the pastor at the church services:
Walter M. Bakker was born December 27, 1872, in Ogle county, near Forreston, Illinois. At the age of two he came with his parents to Butler county to live on a farm near Ackley. One year later the family moved to a homestead farm six miles northwest of Grundy Center. After living on this homestead for eight years the family moved to Lincoln Center.

On March 8, 1899, Mr. Bakker was united in the holy bond of marriage with Fannie Kruse, to which union three children were born, one dying in infancy. After their marriage the couple started farming two miles north and 1 1/2 miles east of Grundy Center. In the spring of 1917 the family moved to the farm where his son Manton is now living. In 1931 Mr. and Mrs. Bakker moved to Grundy Center for rest from their labors, but which was interrupted by the angel of death who called away his wife in November of 1939. The departed continued to live in his home in town alone until August, 1941, when he made his home with his son Wilbur.

The deceased was a charter member of Bethany Presbyterian church, and with his departure has ended the charter membership. He served his church faithfully in every respect, in regular attendance, and in loyal official duties as a Trustee for many years until his sudden death. He loved his church and was willing to do all he could for her welfare.

On Friday, July 3, at 4 p.m. he became afflicted with a severe stroke which hastened to his death Saturday morning at 1:20 a.m., reaching the age of 69 years, 6 months and 7 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure two sons, Manton and Wilbur of Grundy Center, two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, two brothers, George and Manna of Morrison, one sister, Mrs. Charley Petersen, and one aunt, Mrs. D. J. Dieken, both of Grundy Center, as well as many other relatives and friends.

My future city is up in the sky
Where sits my Savior as King;
Some day as His servant He'll take me on high,
Therefore these praises I sing.

Of my future city built of rubies and gold,
I'll tell you a story so true,
Because you must know before you're too old,
That the Lord has a mansion for you.

A place will be vacant when you have passed by,
To no other can that place be given,
So come let us travel together on high,
The city of the future is Heaven.

My Savior reigneth with unequal love,
There in that city so fair,
I'm traveling on to my mansion above,
For the Lord heareth my prayer.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 9 July 1942, pg 1, 12