Bakker, Raymond P. 1926-2015

BAKKER, TILSTRA, VERWEY

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting (email)
Date: 10/26/2015 at 15:38:37

Rock Valley, Iowa: Raymond Peter Bakker, age 89, passed away October 17, 2015, at Fellowship Village, Inwood, Iowa. Present at his bedside were 2 of his children, Peter and Ruth. Since his health was rapidly failing, the family was very grateful that Ray’s departure from this vale of tears was peaceful. (“Beyond this vale of tears there is a life above.” – James Montgomery, British Hymnwriter and Poet) Visitation, with family present, will be held Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home at Rock Valley. The visitation will conclude with a prayer service at the funeral home at 3:00 p.m. Burial with military rites will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Ray was born February 17, 1926 on a farm near Inwood, Iowa. His parents were Peter Raymond Bakker and Ada (Tilstra) Bakker. Ray’s father died in a tragic tractor accident when the family was living in New Jersey. Ray suddenly became the oldest “man” in the family at the age of 12.

During World War II, Ray enlisted in the Army Air Corps. When he was stationed at Randolph Field Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, he had the privilege of meeting Helen Keller, and was thrilled to be able to shake her hand when she visited the base. After his time training as an Air Corps Cadet, and after his honorable discharge, Ray returned to Alvord, Iowa, where he completed his high school education.

Ray married Bertha Ver Wey on May 25, 1951. Soon after moving to Rock Valley, IA, his reputation for innate skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring and being able to “fix just about anything broken” soon became well known in the community. Ray happily helped many friends and family with construction and repair projects throughout his entire life.

Ray delighted in telling stories “from the old days” to anyone who was willing to listen. He was incredibly proud of the time he served his country during WWII. Ray’s family shall especially miss his advice regarding fixing EVERYTHING, and his never-ending interesting stories from times gone by. Many family members have acquired Ray’s passion for bird feeding and trying to grow the best tomatoes in town.

Grateful for sharing Ray’s life are his 3 children, Peter, of Sheboygan, WI, Ruth, of Canton, SD, and Elaine, of Hong Kong, China. Additionally, he is survived by 2 sisters, Katheron Middle of Rock Valley, IA, and Ann Tiedeman of Hull, IA. Ray was also very proud to have 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bertha, and his 2 brothers, Syrus and Gerrit.

Source: Porter Funeral Home online obituary.