Eris Bakker, 100

Eris Minerva Bakker, age 100, of Dexter, Minnesota, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Eris was born November 15, 1923 in Austin, Minnesota to Leland and Celia (Leach) Vermilyea. She lived in the Dexter area her entire life and graduated from Elkton High School. Eris married Henry Bakker, Jr. and together they raised six children.

A long-time business owner in Dexter, Eris ran a poultry and egg business, and later a produce business with her husband, Henry. In the late 1940s to the early 1950s, Eris and Henry owned a resort called Bakkers Acres in International Falls, Minnesota. In 1970, they opened a grocery store that served the Dexter community for many years. Eris was one of the hardest working ladies around.

She was an active member of Dexter United Methodist Church and was a part of the Ladies Aide helping with many funerals, church events and dinners. Eris served on the Dexter City Council. She loved to garden, cook, bake and tend to her flowers and house plants. Eris never learned to drive, but she enjoyed her walks around town.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry Bakker; and brother, Everett Vermilyea.

Eris is survived by her daughters, Joy (Bill) Ihrke of Dexter, Joan (Bob) Thorson of Rochester, Janet (Dale) Friary of Rochester, and Jill (Chuck) Wilson of Rochester; sons, Gary (Candy) Bakker of Austin, and Jack (Mary) Bakker of Dassel, MN; 11 grandchildren; and many lively great grandchildren; brother, Gene (Ruth) Vermilyea of Rochester; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 20th at Dexter United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jon Marburger officiating. Visitation will be at Dexter United Methodist Church Friday, January 19 from 4-7 pm and at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Dexter Cemetery at a later date.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.