Paul G. Bakker

(June 27, 1928 – December 10, 2024)

Paul passed peacefully on December 10, 2024. He took with him the deep love of family and friends including those who were blessed to be with him on his last day.

He was born and raised in Chicago—the oldest of seven children. Three of his siblings--Richard, Ruth and Bernard--preceded him in death.  Before attending college he served honorably in the US Navy notably as part of the crew for Operation Highjump taking Admiral Byrd to the South Pole.

Paul had a long and happy marriage with his first wife Elizabeth (Betty).  They relocated to Tucson, AZ where they raised their three children--John, Elizabeth (Liz) and Therese. He was a devoted husband and father. He had a successful career as a computer programmer and systems analyst and was at the forefront of the computer revolution. His marriage to Betty lasted until her untimely death in 1987.

He was blessed to find love a second time with Marcella (Marty). They had a long marriage, first making their home in Tucson and then relocating back to Illinois. Marty preceded him in death in 2022.

Paul is preceded in death by his son John. He is survived by his children Liz (Paul) Triffet and Therese (Phyllis Carlson) Bakker, his daughter-in-law Kelly Bakker, his siblings Jerry (Joyce) Bakker, Gert Rybak, and Jim (Sharon) Bakker. He is also survived by Marty's children Peggy (Jae) Eismann and Mark (Moe) Pustelnik who he loved as if they were his own and who cared for him after the death of their mother. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family is very grateful to his caregivers Kofi and Roy for their devotion.

Private Famliy Service at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.  For Info: O'Neil Funeral Home (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com