Barry Miles Bakker, 73, of Willmar, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 18, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Private interment will take place at Rialson Cemetery near Tracy. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Vinje Lutheran Church or Rialson Cemetery.
Barry was born June 21, 1952, in Granite Falls, to Walter and Mabel (Jensen) Bakker. He grew up in Renville and Vesta, and graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1970. He attended St. Cloud State University before completing the HVAC program at North Hennepin Technical College.
On May 25, 1974, Barry married Lynette Rialson at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy. In 1977, they settled in Willmar, where they raised their two children, Tim and Kelly.
Barry worked for Central Sheet Metal, which was purchased by Chappell Duct Company in 1987. He later became a partner in Chappell Central, where he worked until his retirement in 2012. Barry took great pride in his work and especially enjoyed mentoring new employees throughout the years.
Barry was a member of Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing cards. He cherished family vacations with his children and grandchildren, as well as trips to Maui, Canada, Colorado, and countless fishing trips to Lac Seul with “the guys.” For the past 14 years, Barry and Lyn wintered in San Tan Valley, AZ, where Barry loved working at the golf course and the two made many dear friends.
Barry will be remembered for his unwavering positivity and his heartfelt reminder to “make choices to the best of your ability and live with no regrets.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Lyn; his children, Tim (Lisa) Bakker of Missoula, MT, and Kelly (Nate) Ziemann of Rochester, MN; and his five beloved grandchildren: Graham Bakker, Grayson Bakker, Brenden Ziemann, Abigail Ziemann, and Noah Ziemann. He is also survived by his brother, James (Shari) Bakker of Mora, MN, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
