Joseph Baker

Oregon – Joseph Carl Baker, age 79, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.  He was born May 18, 1942 in Dixon, IL the son of Clarence A. and Alice J. (Schwab) Baker.  Joe graduated from Oregon High School in 1960 and attended Iowa State University.  He married Marian Maas on Sept. 7, 1963 at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church near Oregon, IL.  Joe was a lifelong farmer, He also worked for several years at Kable Printing in Mt. Morris, IL. and then for the Oregon School District as a custodian for 26 years where he made many cherished friendships with the teachers and students.  He was a member of the Lighthouse United Methodist Church and served on the Lighthouse Cemetery Board.  Joe was a little league baseball coach for many years often leading his teams to the championship.  He had a lifelong interest for sports, especially at the Oregon High School.  He was a member of the Ogle County Farm Bureau, a lifelong member of the American Angus Association, and the Ogle County Beef Association.  He was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Alice Baker, his son Ronald Dale Baker, and his brother C. David Baker.  He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Marian of Oregon, son Dr. Steve Baker and his wife Dr. Shauna Roberts of Oregon, IL, his grandson Kaleb Baker of Springfield, IL, his granddaughter Kaitlyn (Robert) Hofer of Fort Collins, Colorado, daughter-in-law Brenda Baker-Holm (Pete) of Oregon, IL, and many brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  A private funeral service will be held at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church, no visitation at this time due to Covid restrictions, Private burial will be at the Lighthouse Cemetery.  A memorial fund is established for the Oregon High School Future Farmer’s of America Dept.  Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Homes assisted the family.