Ida “Edie” Bakker-Kramer

Ida Jannie (Steenhuisen) Bakker-Kramer, age 90, of Ithaca passed away peacefully at her home, Saturday, April 24, 2021.

She was born on June 2, 1930 in Groningen, The Netherlands to the late Siemen Klaas Steenhuisen and Minke VanderVeen Steenhuisen.  She graduated from the Industrial Academy in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

During her internship at the Academy, she met and then married Roelf “Ralph” Bakker on May 24, 1952. They immigrated to the United States on January 31, 1953 and had two sons and owned a farm near North Star.  Ralph passed away on April 12, 1976.  She worked at Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns, The Wolverine shoe factory in Ithaca and “Bakker’s PET-O-TEL” boarding kennel and grooming business that local veterinarians, Dr. Bowen and Dr. Smith convinced them to start at their farm in 1969 and from which she retired in 1991. On May 10,1991, she married George R. Kramer from Portage and they were married until his passing on September 27, 2007.

She loved animals and the lifelong friendships she made with many of the kennel’s pet owners and their pets.  She was also passionate about her flowers and gardening making it known to all that no mowing line was “too straight,” no flower bed edge could be “too clean,” that dandelions had “no place in her yard” and “nothing green should ever grow in a driveway or sidewalk crack.”  Most of all, she loved her family and took immense pride and happiness in watching her grandchildren grow up.

She is survived by her two sons, Gerrit H. Bakker of Crystal and Steven S.K. (Kristin) Bakker of Alma; grandchildren, Lt. Gerrit S. Bakker (US Navy), Rachel E. Bakker, George A. Bakker and David A. Bakker along with many cousins, nieces and nephews in the USA and in The Netherlands.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held graveside at the North Star Cemetery on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11am with Joseph Barden officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gratiot County Commission on Aging, 515 S Pine River, Ithaca, MI  48847.

The family is being served by The Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Marty & Gary McDaid]

Dear ones....Edie was a breath of fresh air on a stagnant day. She could ALWAYS make people smile with her laugh. We sooo enjoyed conversing with her when we crossed paths. Edie is a treat to make God smile & we imagine she will. We share your grief.

[Marilee Mouser]

Dear Bakkers: I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Your mother/grandmother was a joy and I know how much you must miss her. My deepest condolences.

[Jo Jones]

Sending thoughts of comfort and care to each one of you, Ida's beloved family members. She adored all of you and looked forward to your phone calls and to anytime that she could possibly be with you. My favorite memory was celebrating her birthday at Food With Friends for many years! She was thrilled to have her family join her each year. I cherish my special "Ida Memories" that I've collected over the past 42 years. May your "Oma" memories live in your hearts forever.
Sincere sympathy to you all,
Jo Jones

[Karen Rozen]

So sorry to hear of the loss of Edie. I remember her coming to the North Star United Methodist Church. She would light the church up on Sunday with her laughter and love she shared. She loved her family and would often share story about them with us. May you find comfort knowing she is not at peace in God's heavenly kingdom. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

[Nola Owen]

I could listen forever to her stories.A brave lady that loved her family with so much pride. Peace to her family. I will miss this special friend.

[Ried]

Edie was such a joy at the North Star United Methodist Church. Always had a good laugh when she was around. Also saw her a lot when we moved to Crystal and loved seeing her when we went around the lake. So sorry for your loss. Ried Martin

[Mary Jane Kinney]

Ahhhhhhh Edie, the world will not be as happy without you in it. I promise to go to Boonzaaijer's Dutch Bakery and have something special for you this Saturday at 11:00. To Lt. Gerrit Bakker......your phone calls to your Grandma meant so much to her. Whenever I spoke to her she would tell me that you call her every night on your way home. To the Bakker family thank you for sharing your Mom with me. She was a so much fun and I will carry happy memories of visiting her and going to lunch/dinner, or just having tea and cookies in the living room. May Edie rest in peace and love. Wishing you all comfort in your memories of your Mom and Grandma.

[Albert Smith]

Dear fam. Bakker,
Van Harte gecondoleerd met het verlies van uw moeder en oma. I met her a couple of times when she visited the Netherlands (seems ages ago). She always seemed so cheerful! My deepest condolences.
(I am the grandson of Boukje Van der Veen, a sister of her mother)

[Brad & Vickie Thum]

Bakker family, we are so sorry to hear of Edie's passing. She was such a dear and we enjoyed listening to her stories. I recently read her book....what an amazing woman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Brad & Vickie Thum

[Ron & Cheryl Krautstrunk]

So sorry for your loss. Ida was a joy from the first time we met. When our son Brett was married she sent us a laminated photo of the wedding pic that was in the Herald. A kind hearted gesture that we have not forgotten. She was a treasure. RIP Ida 🌹