Richard W. Baker, 86, of rural Augusta, passed away suddenly at the Clearwater Care Center in Eau Claire early Friday evening, April 6, 2018.
Richard Wesley Baker was born August 4, 1931 in Eau Claire, the son of Scott and Lydia (Eaton) Baker. He was raised in Ludington Township, rural Augusta, where he was baptized, confirmed and remained a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He attended country school and Augusta High School. He left school before graduation to serve 4 years as a gunner in the United States Army in Korea during the Korean War. Several years ago at his church he was honored and recognized with a service medal given to him by a representative of the South Korean government. Dick was united in marriage to Dorathy Green on Sept. 12, 1953 in Augusta. The couple lived most of their married life in Ludington Township.After returning home from the service Dick was trained in heating and air conditioning and after his certification he worked in the maintenance department of the Northern Colony in Chippewa Falls. He worked there until retiring in 1993.
Dick and Dorathy enjoyed fishing, camping and spent many enjoyable days at theircampsite on Prairie Lake in Chetek. They also loved spending time with family andtaking many trips out west to visit their children and grandchildren. After Dorathy his beloved wife of nearly 61 years passed away on Aug. 18, 2014, hecontinued to stay in their home until ill health required him to enter the Clearwater Care Center in March of 2017.
Richard will be dearly missed by his daughter, Ramona Van Horn (Darrell Broome) of Long Beach, Mississippi; son, Gregory Baker of Hill City, S.D; grandson; Scott Baker (Lorien Graysay) of Devils Tower, WY; 3 granddaughters, Angela (Tim) Ross of Hill City, S.D, Ashley Skaare of Rapid City, S.D, Cassie Galinda of Eau Claire; daughter-in-law, Jill Baker of Augusta; 10 great grandchildren and several very special nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Dick was also preceded in death by his parents; sons, Patrick, Neal and Mike Baker; and ½ sister, Gloria Johnholtz. Ramona and Greg would like to thank Paul Drehmel, Diane and Tom Woodford for everything that they did for their Uncle Dick. With the immediate family being such a distance away, everything that they were able to do for Dick was very much appreciated.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at noon at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ludington Township, with Pastor James Norten officiating.
Burial will be in the Ludington Cemetery.
Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the church.
The family is assisted by the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com