Obituary

Frederick Donald Baker, 83, of Minonk, died Sunday (April 23, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, in the company of his family.

He was born Nov. 20, 1933, in Minonk, to Ed and Sue Baker. He was married to Irma Barth in June 1960, and they were together for 52 years before she passed in 2012.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, John and Bonner; and his sister, Betty Hasty.

He is survived by their three children, Dennis (Sheri) Baker, Elizabeth (Jim) Rogers and Marion (Jeff) Kennel; 10 grandchildren, Ryan, Ben and Hannah Baker; Kylie (Brad) Montgomery; Makenzie Rogers; Matthew, Elli (Drake Hoffman), Jessi, Emma and Abbi Kennel; and one great-granddaughter, Brynlee Montgomery, who was his special girl. His sister, Jo Ann Schmillen, also survives.

Fred was a wonderful father and a devoted husband, who loved being Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He was proud of his service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Essex during the Korean War and kept in contact with shipmates, attending many Essex reunions with his wife over the years. He was known for his sense of humor and dry wit that often left friends chuckling after a conversation.

He retired from a Streator glass factory where he worked for 36 years. He very much enjoyed riding his scooter around town, afternoon trips in his golf cart to visit with friends at the "cannon park," and watching the Cubs. He lived to see it!

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk, with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery. Please dress casually; Dad always did. Wear your "Freddy Bakers" if you have some. He will be missed by all, except the squirrels in his neighborhood with whom he had a running battle for years.

Donations can be made to the Minonk Ambulance Squad or St. Paul's UCC, Minonk.

Condolences may be sent to www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.