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Adrian Van Bakel Obituary
He was born November 23, 1923 to the late John and Dora Van Bakel. He grew up in Little Chute, Wisconsin and served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1946 in the Pacific Theatre. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a BS in 1951 and an MBA in 1955. While attending UofL, he belonged to the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He retired in 1987 as a night operations manager after working for the Lorillard Corporation for over 30 years. He was a 60 year member of the American Legion, a former Kentucky State Commander of US Submarine Veterans of World War II and a Kentucky Colonel.
Mr. Van Bakel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Theresa (Kratzwald) Van Bakel; children, Valerie Walker, Adrian Van Bakel (Sharon), Diane Van Bakel, Rosemary Eisner (Don), Keith Van Bakel, and Kevin Van Bakel; grandchildren, Adam, Brittany, Allison, Sang Hyok, and Emma; sister, Delores Van Bakel; brother, Joseph Van Bakel (Angie); and numerous nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass will be 10am Saturday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 3042 Hikes Lane, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8pm Friday at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Adrian Van Bakel
Ron Van Thiel
October 12, 2025
Tile was a playful and kind man who also helped us to have our freedom with his sacrifice in a sub
Ron Van Thiel
October 11, 2019
At the beginning of September I had friends visiting from MN to go sailing on Lake Michigan with me. The USS Silversides is tied up in Muskegon MI in the channel between Lake Muskegon where my sailboat is and Lake Michigan. They have a WWII museum there that is dedicated to the subs and the role that they played in the war. As I went through the museum and then on to and thru the sub I could not help but think about Tike and his contribution to protect us and what we believe in. The risks were great on the subs so much more than on the land battlefield but they were also so instrumental in what they were able to do. Tike with all of his humor and efforts to stay connected with family is remarkable with what he endured with his sailmates on the sub and are a testament to this character, heart and mind. Miss you Tike
Chaplain Ray Fritz
October 23, 2013
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to Theresa, Valerie, Adrian, Diane, Rosemary, Keith, and Kevin, and all of Adrian's family and friends as you grieve his passing. May God whisper peace into your hearts and comfort and heal them. We are grateful for Adrian's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service during WWII. To our “Brother of the Dolphin” … "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country." -- Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
Sally M.
October 20, 2013
Dear Valerie, Kevin, Diane and your family,
I am saddened to learn of your loss of your Dad. I know how much he meant to each of you.
You are in my thoughts.
With love and sympathy.
Jim Van Bakel
October 19, 2013
Aunt Terri & the whole family, our Thoughts & Prayers are with you. His sweet spirit will be missed.
Jean Orr
October 19, 2013
Dear Aunt Teri and cousins, I was so sorry to hear of Tike's passing. I remember his pride when he gave me a tour of 'the plant'. I met a man recently with a baseball cap on commemorating his submarine service and immediatley thought of Tike.
My condolences to you all,
Jean Welhouse Orr and family
Laurie Welhouse-Bowers
October 18, 2013
Aunt Terri,
I have many fond memories of the family reunions at Grandma's in Little Chute each summer. Remembering great times keeps loved ones close. Tyke and your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless, Laurie Welhouse Bowers
October 18, 2013
Shipmate "Rest your oar".... Your continued support and promotion of Derby City SVWWII and Louisville Base US Submarine Veterans will remain forever in our perpetual memories!
I was so proud to be in the "Color Gaurd" with you at the dedication of our POMPANO memorial in Frankfort.
Godspeed shipmate. Our blessing to family and friends.
Terry Diehl
October 18, 2013
Benny and Sharon,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
This is obviously a great loss to you and your family. It is never easy to part with those we love. I hope that all of you will be comforted by the fond memories and in knowing there is an angel watching over you.
You and your family are in my thoughts and you have my deepest sympathies.
Thinking of you,
Glenda Oltmann
Ron Van Thiel
October 17, 2013
From those navy subs to the phone as a way to stay in touch Tike was a special guy. He will be missed. Mary and I send our condolences to all of the family
Darrell Huddleston
October 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Valerie and family.
Dan & Cindy Van Thiel
October 17, 2013
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family. We regret not being able to be there physically but please understand that our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Jean Van Thiel
October 17, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to my cousins and aunt Terri. We are blessed to have had him in our lives!
Barb Perry
October 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I wish I could be there with you. Give my love and hugs to all
October 17, 2013
Bennie,
My thoughts are with you on this day. I know that it is hard to give up a parent even when we realize it may be best for them.
Bruce Usher
October 17, 2013
Sorry to hear of your fathers passing away. I was relating his Sub activities to someone in cardiology just recently.
Kellie McLain
October 17, 2013
Dr. Van Bakel, I am very sorry for your loss and thinking of you and your family.
Kellie McLain
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Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home - Louisville3331 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
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