Richard Baker

Richard “Dick” Ira Baker, 74, of Bridgman, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.

A memorial service will be held 1 PM Saturday, March 19, at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. Friends may gather with the family prior to the service at the funeral home Saturday from 12-1 PM. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given towards the needs of the family.

Dick was born July 5, 1936 in Highwood, Illinois the son of the late Ralph and Clarilda (Carani) Baker. He had been a package hauler for UPS and for more then 25 years a car hauler for Leaseway Transportation. He enjoyed painting and in his younger days he liked to golf. Dick loved to travel and meet new people, but most of all he enjoyed being with family and friends.

On March 6, 1994 he married Nancy Kluever and she survives along with his children - Shawn (Trish) Baker of Wisconsin, Westley (Missie) Baker of Lansing, Tyler (Denise) Baker of Ovid, Danielle Stine of Virginia, William Wickstrom and Scott Wickstrom both of Illinois, Jeannette (Alan) Steffen of Wisconsin and Robin (Adam Butler) Wickstrom of Bridgman; 13 grandchildren; sister, Evangeline “Sally” (Albert) Mecham of Florida; and his faithful canine companion, Trouble.

Dick was also preceded in death by two brothers - Marvin and David Baker.