Jeffrey Bakker

Jeffrey “Jeff” L. Bakker, 60, of Dike, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Dike on Friday, November 3, 2017. Visitation for Jeff will be held on Monday, November 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Engelkes-Abels Dike Chapel, 680 Main St., Dike. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 7th at 10:30 AM at the Lincoln Center Church @ Orchard Hill, rural Grundy Center. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Lincoln Center Church Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Jeff was born on October 11, 1957 to his parents Louis & Jennie (Viet) Bakker in Grundy Center, Iowa. A lifelong Dike resident, Jeff grew up on the family farm, 3 miles west of Dike. He graduated from Grundy Center High School with the class of 1978. For most of his life, Jeff helped his dad and brothers on the farm. After Jeff’s father passed away in 1990, he continued farming but began working at the Crossroads Hy-Vee in Waterloo for many years. He was most recently employed at Trinkets and Togs in Grundy Center and enjoyed his time spent there.

From the moment Jeff was born, he was unfortunately dealt with severe health issues. Being diagnosed with kidney disease at only 6 years old, he was faced with issues and pain that most will never know. For 55 years, he struggled with additional health problems but persevered and fought through these issues. If you would ask Jeff how he was feeling, he would always tell you he was ‘good’. He never knew what life was like truly feeling good, and it brings comfort to the family that he is now free of pain and rejoins his parents, especially his mother, whom he had a special bond with.

Jeff was a lifelong member of the Lincoln Center Church in rural Grundy Center. He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends and anyone Jeff ran into and talked with, he considered you a friend. He especially enjoyed his Saturday morning coffee with his family at his home, on the family farm. Despite living amongst an entire family of Cyclone fans, Jeff was proud to be a Hawkeyes fan. Jeff will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his sister May Lou Bakker of Washington, D.C., and brothers Ron (Lori), Chuck (Barbara), Larry (LeAnn), Loren (Jacque), Curt, all of Dike and Mike (Michelle) of Ankeny, IA; 10 nephews and 4 nieces; 18 great-nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents.