Cover photo for Denise Michelle (Darland) Bakker's Obituary
Denise Michelle (Darland) Bakker Profile Photo
1960 Denise 2022

Denise Michelle (Darland) Bakker

April 3, 1960 — August 31, 2022

Toledo, OH

     Denise Michelle Bakker, age 62, of Toledo, Ohio, on Tuesday, August, 31, 2022, at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

     A Graveside Service will be held at Marion Township Cemetery, Marion Springs, Michigan, on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor John Eich officiating.

     Denise was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on April 3, 1960, the daughter of DuVoid “Dewey” F. and Clara E. (Duensing) Darland.  She graduated from Alma High School, Alma, MI with the class of 1978.  Following graduation she worked for Alma College in the News Services and Publications department.  In 1981, she moved to Grand Ledge and worked for Millbrook Printing Company and the John Henry Company; before working for and then retiring from Michigan State University in order to take care of her elderly parents.

     She is survived by her son Gerrit S. Bakker of Jacksonville, Florida (US Navy); father Dewey Darland of Toledo, OH; one sister Victoria L. (Howard “Smokey”) Billingsley of Lafayette, IN; and cousins: Tammy (Mike) Fisher of St. Louis, MI; Sandy Sheldon of Alma, MI; Linda Huntoon of Alma, MI; and David Chovance of Alma, MI.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Clara E. Darland and her sister Stacy L. Becktel.

     Memorials can be made to: MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Development & Alumni Relations, 784 Wilson Road, Room F130, East Lansing, MI 48824.  Please note for the “Lucky Fund for Needy Animals”.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Denise Michelle (Darland) Bakker, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Saturday, September 10, 2022

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Marion Township Cemetery

10925 S Merrill Rd, Brant, MI 48614

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 277

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree