Baker, Virgil 1939-2014

BAKER, BAKKER, FEENSTRA

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/2/2014 at 13:20:04

Virgil Baker

December 12, 1939 - June 30, 2014

Rock Valley, IA: Virgil Baker, 74, of Rock Valley, died suddenly on Monday, June 30, 2014 at Hegg Memorial Health Center in Rock Valley. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Rev. Bobby Van Otterloo officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery. Visitation, with family present, will be held Saturday, July 5, 2014 at Porter Funeral Home from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hope Haven and condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Virgil Wayne Baker, son of Peter and Jennie (Bakker) Baker, was born December 12, 1939 in Pipestone, Minnesota. Virgil was a graduate of both Calvin College and Dordt College. He went on to receive his Masters in Administrative Education from Drake University. On August 11, 1961 Virgil was united in marriage with Esther Feenstra in Corsica, South Dakota. The couple spent the next 25 years living in Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa, while Virgil served in Christian education both as a teacher and administrator. Virgil and Esther then moved to Rock Valley, where Virgil worked at Hope Haven for 25 years, retiring in 2002. Virgil enjoyed Scrabble, reading, golfing, camping, traveling, serving and encouraging others. Virgil was a member of the Valley Male Chorus for many years and served on numerous church boards, CRWRC (World Renew) and the Rock Valley Library Board. His greatest joys came from time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Virgil is survived by his wife of 52 years, Esther Baker; 3 children, Bonnie (Bryan) Van Holland of Sioux City, Iowa, and their 3 children, Darin (Alese), Travis (Valerie), and Erica; Brian (Roxanne) Baker of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their 2 children, Taylor and Jordan; Bethany (Andy) Schuttinga of Sioux Center, Iowa, and their 2 children, Will and Anderson; and one sister, Rachel (John) Kroontje of Kenneth, Minnesota.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Jennie Baker.

Source: Porter Funeral Home online obituary.