BELLFLOWER – Michael R. Bakel, 64, a former exalted ruler of the Bellflower Elks before moving away to Bullhead City where he lived the past 10 years, passed away Jan. 20. He was born on June 22, 1950 in Denver, Colo.

He served in the US Navy for four years on the U.S.S. Chicago and retired from working in the A/C and heating industry as well as a Photo Copier Technician.

Bakel joined the Elks in 1986 and became Exalted Ruler in 1999-2000 BPOE #2003 in Bellflower. He was a member of VFW, Moose Lodge and AVMI.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Bakel.

Bakel is survived by his wife, Linda of Bullhead City, Ariz.; son, Brandon Bakel of Las Vegas, Nev.; stepdaughter, Sherri Schneeweis of Orange, Calif.; mother, Jeannine Smith of Colo.; brother, Greg Bakel of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sister, Tami Saathoff of Brighton, Colo.; and one grandson and granddaughter.

Memorial Services were held Feb. 21 at the Bullhead City Elks #2408.

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Published: March 19, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 49