William E. Baker

William E. Baker, 87, of Beaver Dam passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam. William Eugene was born the son of Lawrence and Irene (Cramer) Baker on October 4, 1927 in Des Moines, IA. He was a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines. Bill served his country in the United States Navy. He was married to Marilyn A. Stansberry who preceded him in death in 1975. Bill was later married to Rita Budde on March 11, 1977 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. He dedicated his career as a salesman in the farm implement industry until his retirement with Tisco in 1993. Bill was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Church in Beaver Dam. He was a member of the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146 of Beaver Dam. He had a passion for fishing, golfing and reading. He loved spending time and making friends at his cabin in Lac du Flambeau. Bill would especially enjoy backyard grilling with his good friend and brother-in-law, Jim Budde. Bill is survived by his wife, Rita of Beaver Dam; his children: Dianna (Terry) Shark of Alpharetta, GA, and Ronald E. Baker of Sturtevant, WI; his brothers: Robert D. Baker of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Jerry Baker of Des Moines, IA; four grandchildren: Kimberly Shark, Cynthia Hanson, Heather Baker, and Kristen Brodsko; four great-grandchildren: Sage, Avery, Reese, and Weston; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Marilyn, and his son, Brian. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at St. Katharine Drexel Mission Hall, 408 South Spring Street in Beaver Dam. A visitation will also be held on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. at Mission Hall. Interment will take place at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Memorials may be directed to St. Katharine Drexel Church in Beaver Dam.