Obituary of John F. Baker

OBITURARY J0HN FREDERICK BAKER 1928 - 2020 John Frederick Baker passed peacefully into eternal rest at home on 30 March 2020, at the age of 91 years old. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlys Van Schaick - Baker and their three children - David Baker, Joyce Carrroll and Diana Hepseth; as well as, ten grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. John was born 2 November 1928 in Everton, Missouri to his parents, Frederick William Baker and Mona Maude Cady. He outlived all five of his siblings – Francis Krout, Paulena Will, Anita Hadkins, George Baker and Dwight Ed Baker. In 1935, when John was seven, his family moved to Ione, California, where he attended school and graduated from Calaveras High School in 1948. John met the love of his life, Marlys Van Schaick and married in Jackson, California on 20 January of 1952 and spent the next 68 years together until his passing. His work history began with the California Highway Department Construction Road Crew and the US Forest Service Department. He then made the decision to enter into the National Guard for the next eight years. After ending his military calling, he spent the next 25 years, working at the Calaveras Cement Plant until Its closure. While living in Calaveras County he was very active in church, 4-H activities and camping with his family. After buying a home in Sheep Ranch, they decided to enrich their lives by raising foster children. Once the cement plant closed, John and Marlys then moved to Southern California for John to enter into training at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College. After gaining new skills in repairing high-end motorcycles, moved to Sacramento until he retired for good at 80 years of age. Upon his second retirement, John and Marlys spent time traveling in their 5th wheel trailer, visiting their extended family and friends all over the United States. A few trips were made to Mexico through their church, helping small communities to raise the roof of their own church. During the last years he enjoyed gardening, reading, home improvement and assisting his neighbors, whom they referred to as Big John, with various small tasks when needed. A large get together of his family and friends gathered together to celebrate John’s 90th birthday in November of 2019. John Frederick Baker was laid to rest on April 8, 2020 at Lodi Memorial Cemetery in Lodi, California. In a private ceremony, his son David spoke and read scripture from the bible, alongside with his two sisters, Joyce and Diana. May he Rest in Peace.