William “Bill” Roy Baker died in his home at the age of 89, Friday August 28, 2020.  Bill was born on June 28, 1931 to Roy and Stella Pearl (Richardson) Baker in their home.  He grew up on the family farm located in Union Township, not far from Grange Hall.  Bill went to Union Country School House through 8^th grade; then boarded in Ellsworth Wisconsin to get his High School education graduating in 1949.  He was drafted into the U.S. Marines Corps November 28, 1951 during the Korean War, serving his country two years as an auto mechanic then returning home to the family farm November 1953.

On June 8^th, 1963 he married Marlene (McDonough) in Plum City Methodist Church; they were married 57 wonderful years.  Over the next eight years they had three children: Mary (Blanchard) and husband Michael from Downers Grove, Illinois, Barry and (close friend Christine Tsuchiya) from Honolulu, Hawaii, Sheri (Fisher) and husband Idris from Plum City, Wisconsin.  

Bill had four grandchildren: Bradly Roy Baker from Honolulu, Hawaii, Michael Dylan Blanchard from Downers Grove, Illinois, Adrianna Pearl and Kampbell Marie Almsted from Plum City, Wisconsin.  Bill was very proud of both his children and grandchildren, they brought him a lot of joy, and were the apple of his eye.

Bill enjoyed farming and never had a problem getting local kids to help him with the hay crop, all he had to do was drive to town and start asking for help and they would come.

Bill retired from the farm in 1992 and went to work for Boyer Ford in the Twin Cities, picking up and delivering trucks with three other local buddies; he was able to see a lot of the country and, like he said, he got paid to do it.  Bill and Marlene moved to the village of Plum City in 1994 and enjoyed going to breakfast with local friends. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Malcom Scott Baker, grandparents, and aunts.

Visitation Saturday, September 5^th, 11:00 – 2:00, Rhiel Funeral Home, 615 12th Ave E, Durand, WI. Procession to Ono Methodist Church Cemetery and burial service with military honors immediately following.

Donations can be made to https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Donate/Donate-Now.aspx

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Kathy Luebker September 7, 2020, at 7:09pm

   My sympathy to your families for your loss. Kampbell and Adrianna I am thinking of you at this time. My thoughts and prayers to all.

2. Mark Luebker September 6, 2020, at 1:17pm

   Bill was a great person! My Cub Scout leader, one of my good friend’s dad, and for sure a sincere honest friend for everyone.

3. John Wiskerchen September 5, 2020, at 5:33pm

   Marlene, I am very sad hearing of Bill's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Bill. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. I will miss him.
   My thoughts an prayers are with you and the family. I will make a donation in Bill's name. John

4. scott monson September 5, 2020, at 5:31pm

   Marlene,Mary,Barry,Sheri and family please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for your loss of Bill. I fondly remember the summers bringing the hay in with you. His infectious jovial demeanor was always present. Thank you for giving me my first real job and helping me see what real work is like...I live by that to this day. I am missing you my freind.

5. Anne Malone September 3, 2020, at 10:01pm

   Uncle Bill, a friendly guy, had a bright twinkle in his voice and eye that was there until the last time I “saw” him (Zooming video chat 12 days before he died). He just had a way about making people feel like they were completely accepted. Even if he was admitting to someone’s foibles, it seemed like he was just figuring “to each his own”. He didn’t have time or inclination to judge. My Uncle Bill was a giver of spark and life. I can still hear his laugh. And I look forward to seeing that twinkle in heaven.

6. Velma Kannel Parsons, Javoroski September 3, 2020, at 4:25pm

   Marlene, may you find peace and comfort in the memories you shared and in those around you during this difficult time.
   With sympathy. Velma

7. Ruth and Jack Luebker September 1, 2020, at 10:00pm

   I enjoyed Bill's company at the "round table" when we owned the Pondview. He always had a kind word and shared a laugh. He will be missed. Our sympathy.

8. Roger Poeschel September 1, 2020, at 8:42pm

   Our deepest sympathies on your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Bill, listening to his funny and informative stories while we serviced his vehicles. Bill was a special person.

9. Scott Watkins September 1, 2020, at 4:55pm

   My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

10. Becky and Nick Gruber September 1, 2020, at 3:52pm

    Marlene, Sheri, and Family,

    So sorry to hear of Bills passing, he was one of a kind, and will definitely be missed. Love to you all.

11. Tony Gunderson September 1, 2020, at 3:26pm

    Deepest sympathies....

12. Jeanne and Barry Ukrin September 1, 2020, at 2:52pm

    Dearest Blanchards and All Baker Family,
    Please accept our deepest sympathy in this most difficult time. May your fathers memory always be a blessing in your lives. We are with you in spirit as you grieve and will continue to pray for you all.

13. Joanne Hovey September 1, 2020, at 2:16pm

    Such a big loss. Bill was such a sweet, kind man with a twinkle in his eye and a great smile. Sincere sympathy to family on this loss. God Bless ????

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