Baker, Fred 1940-2013

BAKER, EVERLY, ADAMSON, KLETT, HARE, DUFFUS, HANNA, VANDEHAAR

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 10/25/2014 at 17:20:31

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Feb. 18, 2013

FRED BAKER

Fred Baker, 72, of Grinnell died February 15, 2013, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, at the Grinnell United Methodist Church with Rev. Rose Blank, and Deacon Diane Eberhart officiating. Pianist will be Kathy O'Connor. Pallbearers will be Frank Jensen, Scott and Mark VandeHaar, Greg Baker, David Smothers and John Guthrie. Honorary bearers will be Bud Smothers, Richard Brignon, Allen Latham, Gary Blom, Robert Wilkins, John Shultz and Dennis Watson. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Smith Funeral Home with the family present from 5:00 to 8:00 Monday evening.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grinnell United Methodist Church.

Fred was born July 26, 1940, in rural Mahaska County, the son of Charles Francis and Elgie Marie Everly Baker. He attended school in Oskaloosa and later graduated from Searsboro High School with the class of 1958.

On March 5, 1960, he was united in marriage with Sue Adamson, at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. A union of almost 53 years! The couple lived in Grinnell all their married life.

Fred was employed for 35 years as a mechanic and bridge welder with the Iowa D.O.T. in Malcom and Grinnell. After his retirement, he worked building and grounds at G.M.R.C. and as a custodian at Grinnell United Methodist Church. He also owned and operated Fred's Lawn and Garden in Grinnell.

He was a member and past Exalted Ruler of Grinnell Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 1266, Grinnell I.O.O.F. and the Grinnell United Methodist Church.

Fred enjoyed home improvement projects and designing, creating, and fixing things. He knew the value of hard work and instilled a great work ethic and strong family values to his family. He was a Good Samaritan and was always willing to share his hand and friendship towards others. He enjoyed popcorn, hand-cranked homemade ice cream, roasting hotdogs in the fireplace in his backyard and driving his golf cart with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Sue of Grinnell; four children, Marcia Baker of Grinnell, Wayne (Christi) Baker of Grinnell, Chuck (Pam) Baker of West Des Moines and Lynn (Philip) Klett of Center Point; twelve grandchildren, Cori (Allen) Hare, Kendra Baker, Connor Duffus, Devon, Desiree, Regan, Cole, Michael and Sam Baker and Chase, Josie and Grady Klett; two sisters, Joan Hanna of Urbandale and Nancy VandeHaar of Oskaloosa; and a special great-nephew, Josh Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Jerry and Tony Baker.