Denise Michelle (Darland) Bakker

     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.