March 9, 1935 — Aug. 20, 2015

Ronald E. (“Bake”) Bakeman, 80, of Dowagiac died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at Forest Glen Assisted Living in Dowagiac surrounded by his loving family.

In accordance with Ronald’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No service is planned at this time, however, a gathering of family and friends with a bonfire is being planned in the near future to enjoy a time of fellowship and stories to be shared. Memorial donations may be made to Lory’s Place, 445 Upton Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Clark Chapel and Cremation Services of Dowagiac is serving the family. www.clarkch.com

Ronald was born March 9, 1935 in Dowagiac, to Karl and Rose (Krohne) Bakeman. He graduated from Dowagiac Central High School in 1954. Ronald married Evelyn Stainer on May 16, 1958, in Dowagiac. He worked for many years in Dowagiac but many remember him most at Bendix Corp. and Clark Equipment in Dowagiac. “Bake” also owned and operated “Bake’s Place” tavern in Dowagiac for 13 years. He loved the tavern business and the time spent with his many patrons. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddies at “Camp 30-56,” a place in upper Michigan named after 30 years to buy it and 56 acres to hunt on. “Bake” loved the outdoors and wildlife and time spent on his farm with his four-wheeler and tractor, taking his grandchildren for rides and exploring his land. He loved his grandchildren and the time he spent with them playing and telling them stories.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn, and their daughter Cathy (Glenn) Feirick of Dowagiac. He also leaves behind two grandchildren; Tim (Abbie) Feirick and Beth (Ryan) Kaniuga of Dowagiac, and three great-grandchildren; Justin & Tyler Feirick and Lainie Kaniuga of Dowagiac. Also surviving are one sister; Evelyn Williams of Dowagiac and three brothers; Charles Bakeman of Niles, Gerald (Sandy) Bakeman and Sonny (Leslie) Bakeman of Dowagiac along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janice Behnke and three brothers, Richard, Robert and Ted Bakeman.