Jan B. de Bakker

Jan B. de Bakker, M.D. 93, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2018 in Wichita, KS. Jan was born in Tilburg, Holland to Leo and Maria de Bakker (Smeulders). Jan was a Royal Dutch Marine and took basic training at Camp Lejeune, NC during World War II. He was stationed in Indonesia as an infantryman and medic. His training as a medic led him back to the United States to attend medical colleges, including Duke University and the Medical College of Virginia. He completed a year of internship and 3 years of residency at MCV. His last year of residency was at St. Francis and the V.A. in Wichita, KS. Jan established his own practice in 1965 and was a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. In his time in Richmond, VA, Jan met and married Gerarda van der Laan in 1961 and they had 56 years together. Together they were longtime members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Jan retired in the early 90s and was an avid writer, reader and proud gardener in this retirement. Jan is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Leo, Kees, Frans, Riet, Lien, and Antoon. Jan is survived by his wife, Gerrie; children, Jan Baptist F., Ingrid, and Timothy de Bakker; sisters, Net, Ans, Loeky, and Jeanne; many nieces and nephews. Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. A memorial has been established with Little Sisters of the Poor, 8745 James A. Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 67138. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East.