Richard C. Baker: 1925-2018

LELAND — Richard Charles Baker, 92, of Leland, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital in Sandwich.

He was born July 27, 1925, in Waterman, the son of Jeremiah and Teresa (Pederson) Baker.

Richard was united in marriage on June 28, 1947, to Hazel Jean Weir and they spent the next 70 happy years of their lives together.

He was employed for over 43 years by the Burlington Northern Railroad in Aurora, as a pipe fitter and sheet metal worker. Mr. Baker was a longtime member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Leland.

Rich was an avid deer and duck hunter. Raising and training his German Shorthaired Pointers gave him great pleasure. He also enjoyed watching local high school basketball games, especially the Leland Panthers. Additional hobbies included golfing, traveling, working outdoors and fishing.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Baker, of Leland; his son, David (Candace) “Candi” Baker, of Sandwich; his grandchildren, Brent (Jennifer) Baker, of Sandwich, and Kelsey (Kurt) Mattson, of Hinckley; his sister-in-law, Silvia Baker, of Sacramento, Calif.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah and Teresa Baker; and his brother, Robert Baker.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 235 E. Lundy Lane, Leland, with Pastor Zach Baer officiating. Interment will be private.

Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 6, at Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory, 1275 S. Countyline Road, Sandwich.

Memorials in loving memory of Richard may be directed to the Open Door Rehabilitation Center, 405 Wells St., Sandwich, or to Bethany Lutheran Church in Leland.

Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory

1275 S. County Line Road, Sandwich, IL 60548

815-786-6461 NelsonFuneralHomes.com.