Service Details
As Dave wanted all family & friends to be safe during our current health crisis, PRIVATE immediate family only services will be held at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church on Friday, January 8, 2021. You may witness the service via livestream on Friday by clicking on the link in Dave’s obituary on the funeral home website on Friday at 11 am. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
Please click on the following link to witness the service live on Friday, January 8th at 11:00 am:
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the “St. Richard Church Building Fund” have been suggested.
Racine – David Michael Baker, age 78, passed away at home late Sunday night, January 3, 2021, with his loving wife, Carol, and canine companion, Abbie, at his side following a courageous battle with cancer. He truly put up a great fight.
A lifetime resident, David was born in Racine on December 9, 1942 to the late Roy and Dorothy (nee: Bohn) Baker. He grew up loving baseball where he played in little league, senior league and while a student at St. Cat’s. After attending Holy Name grade school, he graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1960. David went on to college at UW-Racine & UW-Milwaukee, from where he graduated in 1965 with a B.S. degree in economics. While in college, he played basketball for both schools.
Upon graduating from college, David faithfully enlisted in the United States Navy and served active duty during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in the Philippines and worked as a communications yeoman, relaying messages to and from US bases and ships in the area. While in the Navy, he earned All-Star awards for past pitch softball and basketball. After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1967, David returned to Racine and was hired as an accountant & auditor for Hammill and Co., which later merged with Clifton Gunderson, retiring in 1997. In retirement, Dave worked part-time as an associate at Hanson Funeral Home for many years.
On September 20, 1996 David married the love of his life, Carol (nee: Borchardt) Beasley. Together, they enjoyed their years together riding around Wisconsin on their Harley. David truly appreciated the love and companionship of Carol. He enjoyed family gatherings, playing Cribbage & Rook with family and friends, and had quite the knack for handicapping a variety of sporting events. He was a lifetime member of Holy Name, now known as St. Richard’s Catholic Church.
David will be missed by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Carol; son, Matthew (Lalya) Baker of Thailand; daughters, Bernadette Baker of Australia; Dawn (Rick) Stickland, Linda Fossey & Victoria Beasley, all of Racine; granddaughters, Skye McDonald of Australia; Britney (Brandon) Stussy, Breanna Beasley & Cierra Bustamante, all of Racine; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Savannah, Summer, Leland & Skyelynn; sister, Diane Baker; sister-in-law, Debra (Robert) Pavlovich; a niece, three nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by several special aunts & uncles, and by Carol’s parents, William & Charlotte Borchardt.
As Dave wanted all family & friends to be safe during our current health crisis, PRIVATE immediate family only services will be held at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church on Friday, January 8, 2021. You may witness the service via livestream on Friday by clicking on the link in Dave’s obituary on the funeral home website on Friday at 11 am. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the “St. Richard Church Building Fund” have been suggested.
Dave’s family would like to thank Dr. Choi & his staff at the Cancer Center; and nurse Beth & aide Becky from hospice. Carol would like to express a heartfelt thank-you to Dawn, Linda, Victoria, Debra & Robert for all of their love, support & help given in Dave’s time of need. She couldn’t have done this without them. And the Swami says: “See you all on the other side for some Rook & Cribbage!”
Please click on the following link to witness the service live on Friday, January 8th at 11:00 am:
Britney stussy says
I love you so much. I’m so thankful I was blessed to call you my grandpa, and I know you will take good care of my angel baby up in heaven, until I can hold you both in my arms again one day.
Barbara Mehalic says
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs, I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was an amazing person. I am glad to have precious memories of him.
Bubba and Cindy Nielsen says
Sorry to hear about David he was a good man had a lot of fun with him between the packers and Vikings sorry again love you
Matthew Baker says
A beautiful description of a great man. He is dearly missed.
Bernadette Baker says
Dad was a great man who lived his life with principle and moral conviction. He loved his family and friends and always made an effort when spending time with them. Dad had a great sense of humor even if he wasn’t trying. He was fiercely loyal to his Packers, Brewers and Bucks, and was proud to be from Wisconsin. I feel so blessed to have had him as my dad, the best man in my entire life, and I will miss him so very much. Rest peacefully, Dad, and save me a seat up there at the cards table. Love you.
Cookie Zembrzuski says
Please accept my condolences for your loss!
Wishing you strength and peace during this hard time!
May he rest in peace!!
John May says
Carol and Baker families,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on Dave’s passing.
He was a great man and I enjoyed many days with him as a fellow employee at Hammill/Clifton Gunderson. We especially had good discussions on the “odds”
of many sports teams/games.
Dave and you are in my thoughts and prayers,
John May
Larry Koerber says
My deepest sympathy to Carol and all of your family for your loss. Dave was a good man. My Prayers to you and your family
Dan Hiatt says
So very sorry for the loss of Dave. As a St. Cat’s grad he knows what angels’ wings are. Now that he has his wings after his “dash” on earth, I have faith the Packers will win the Super Bowl with Coach Baker running things from Heaven!
Joe Corr says
I was very lucky to know Mr Baker from my time growing up as a good friend to his son Matt. Bernie is right, he had a great sense of humor even when not trying. He also helped me when I was struggling with my grades in college. I will never forget him. I send my sincere condolences to his family.
Jeff Koleske says
Carol and Family, my condolences on the passing of David.
Played basketball with Dave in Racine City League. On the court, I learned some defensive tricks from Dave. We all had a great time even though Dave thought I dribbled too much.
Regards, Jeff
Carol Baker says
Thank you everyone for your condolences. Dave was a great husband, father and friend to all. I want to thank Mike from the bottom of my heart for the beautiful services, everything was perfect. Dave would have been proud!
Lou Sesso says
A great friend and he will be missed by many. The family should be proud and I miss him a lot.