Baker, Victor Lewis 1917 - 2009

BAKER, STRUCKBIEN, FLORKE

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/10/2011 at 15:21:59

Victor L. Baker
(October 16, 1917 - October 19, 2009

Kingsley, Iowa – Victor L. Baker, 92, of Kingsley, passed away early Monday morning, October 19, 2009, at the Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City.

Private funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the Johnson-Earnest Funeral Home in Kingsley with Pastor Bert Burwell, A.i.M. of the Salem Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Fairfield Cemetery, rural Rock Branch, Iowa. Military respects will be provided by the American Legion Kingsley-Nash Post #140. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at the Johnson-Earnest Funeral Home in Kingsley with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Victor Lewis Baker was born October 16, 1917, rural Anthon, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Clara (Struckbien) Baker. He attended the rural country school and later, Pierson Community School. On May 19,1942, Victor enlisted into the United States Army from Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and served his country as a flight chief in charge of eight B-24 Liberator heavy bombers during WWII. After faithfully and honorably serving his country during conflict, Master Sergeant Baker was discharged of his military duties on October 7, 1945, from the AAF Separation Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

He was acknowledged with numerous medals and awards, including a bronze star. Victor returned to Iowa to work and reacquaint himself with his family and friends. A particular pretty young lady from his earlier childhood years, caught his eye and the two began dating. On September 2, 1946, Mae Belle Irene Florke and Victor were united in marriage at the Salem Lutheran Church, rural Correctionville. They became the busy parents of five children. Victor was a steward of the earth and it was obvious to those who knew him best, that his greatest priorities in life were tending to his farm operation and lovingly caring for his wife and children. Later, upon becoming a “Grandpa,” his grandchildren loved coming to the farm and spending precious time. Victor and his preferred John Deere equipment, farmed for 36 years until he retired in 1983. Victor was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church. He and Mae Belle treasured their time together dancing with the Kingsley Swingers Square Dancers, attending Lonny’s wrestling meets, and traveling. In his leisure time, Victor enjoyed filming home movies, photography, and researching his geneology. His wife and children will always remember Victor as a hard-working, easy-going and honest man!

Victor is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mae Belle Baker of Kingsley; his children, Linda (Lyle) Tietsort of Irwin, Robert (Marie) Baker of Ida Grove, Gaylen (Peggy) Baker of Salix, Julie (Dennis) Walling of Anthon and Lonny Baker of Kingsley; his sister, Viola (Joe) Gengler of Remsen; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter, and numerous other relatives and friends. Preceding Victor in death are his parents, his two sisters, Bonnie Meissner and Blanche Majeres; his three brothers, Clarence, Rosco and Warren Baker, and his great-grandson, Cole Johnson.