Paula Bakker-Arkema

Okemos, Michigan

Born August 8, 1934, in Gouda, the Netherlands,

Paula passed away in Okemos, Michigan on October 28, 2022, at the age of 88.

Paula grew up in Gouda during the Depression and World War II. She was the second of four daughters born to two loving parents. The family lived in Holland above a bank that their father owned next door to the famous Gouda cheese weigh house.

Paula grew up caring for her sisters. The warmth, support and love from family carried her through one of the most difficult times in world history and shaped her into a determined, independent, steadfast, and dedicated woman.

Following the war, she pursued her education while employed as an au pair; she always loved babies and children. In her early twenties, she moved to Wageningen, the Netherlands where she met the love of her life, Frits (Fred).

Frits and Paula were married in 1957 before leaving their families behind to relocate to the U.S. where Frits attended Michigan State University; they both thought it would be temporary before returning to Holland. While living in married housing at Spartan Village the couple had three children whom Paula devoted herself to while supporting her husband's career. Paula and Frits moved their family to Okemos, Michigan in 1968 where they developed many friendships and became involved in the community. Paula was incredibly hard working and earned her BS in Art History from MSU while managing and prioritizing family responsibilities. In 1987 Paula became a proud U.S. citizen, although she never took to the Michigan weather.

Paula loved the outdoors. She liked to be active and sought-out warmth and sunshine in her travels and while working in her garden. Though small in stature, she was a force to be reckoned with and exercised regularly well into her 80s. Throughout her life she competed in triathlons; she loved biking, walking, hiking, Pilates, and yoga; and she was a regular at the Michigan Athletic Club. In her 70s, she trekked the Himalayas, hiked the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, and cycled many European and U.S. bike tours with Frits. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Paula and Frits took their entire family (three children and their spouses and ten grandchildren) on an unforgettable seven-day white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. She was adventurous, tough to her core, and always welcomed a challenge.

But above all else, her ultimate pride and joy were her ten grandchildren. She was deeply involved in each of their lives visiting them throughout the U.S. and arranging trips back to Europe with them to connect them with their Dutch heritage and teach them about her roots. She loved the annual family summer get-togethers at Fountain Point resort on Lake Leelanau where the family has gathered for 31 consecutive years.

Despite her many interests, the family she and Frits created was her passion and the lens through which she saw the world. She was loyal and loved fiercely and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Paula was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frits. She is survived by her son Peter (Lauren) Bakker-Arkema, St. Louis, Missouri; her daughter Irma (Terry) Baker, Okemos, Michigan; her son Erik (Rebecca) Bakker-Arkema, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Paula’s life will be a private ceremony with family members. Paula was a dedicated listener to Public Radio. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to WKAR Public Radio in East Lansing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Bakker-Arkema family.