Arthur Stanley Bak

Arthur (Art) Stanley Bäk passed away peacefully at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan on 24 June 2023. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on 3 October 1936 to Stanley and Helen (formerly Pietrowski) Bäk. He was the oldest of three brothers and during Art’s youth, he developed his competitive spirit and passion for playing a variety of sports. In 1954 he graduated from Saint Anthony High School and from the University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Science in General Business in 1959. Upon graduating from U of D, Art served in the United States Army National Guard and attended the U.S. Army Training Center, Air Defense, at Fort Bliss, Texas where he learned to operate the Nike missile defense system for his home station unit located in Detroit, Michigan. Art’s work ethic began early on in life at 13 years of age working for his mother and father. They instilled in him the value of hard work, honesty, respect, and determination at the family owned and operated Ace Hardware Store near Seven Mile and Gratiot in Detroit, Michigan. Art worked for his parents for 11 years before exploring other careers, ultimately devoting more than 40 years of his business career to the Bostwick-Braun Company located in Toledo, OH. As Art was debating on what career path to pursue, he fell in head over heels with the love of his life, Marie Theresa Rioux, at a tennis court in Detroit, Michigan. He absolutely could not stand losing and worked overtime to win the heart of Marie and after a short courtship in 1963 they were married. Art was the proud father of three sons who, through his leadership, all learned the value of hard work, respect, and determination to overcome difficult circumstances. Art valued relationships, striking up conversations with new people, and giving so generously to others in need. While not a joiner, Art was a great doer throughout life. He was extremely competitive and his favorite past times included playing racquetball, tennis, and table tennis. He was a Boy Scout Master for his son Eric. Art was also a youth soccer coach for the Acme Dodgers, culminating in 84 wins, 2 losses and 2 ties; however, the most important element was the everlasting mentorship regarding the value of teamwork that he imparted in the personalities of the boys he coached. Art was a very spiritual man and devoted much of his time to religious services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church as a CCD teacher, extraordinary minister, and lector. Additionally, after surviving a terrible bout of stomach cancer in 1997, Art became a bereavement counselor and assisted the mending of broken hearts for more than 10 years. He never really knew retirement as while working for Bostwick-Braun he started his own flag and flag-pole business that in 2023 is still running strong after 35+ years. Art is survived by his beloved wife, Marie Theresa Bäk; his sons Mark Bäk, Eric (Jillian) Bäk, and Brent (Tricia) Bäk; and four wonderful grandchildren, Cais, Dillon, Sawyer, and McKenna Bäk. He was a dear brother to Bernard (Diane) Bäk and Lawrence Bäk and was an exemplary uncle to many nieces and nephews. Viewing with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on 30 June at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home (305 W Sixth St, Traverse City, MI 49684). On 1 July, visitation will be at 10:30 AM followed mass at 11:30 AM at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church (3801 Shore Rd Williamsburg, MI 49690). In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to Munson Hospice or Mass Intentions.

Arthur Stanley Bak

October 3, 1936 - June 24, 2023