John F. Baker

John F. Baker, 74, of Dubuque died on June 15, 2018 at the UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at the Mueller Memorial Chapel in Linwood Cemetery with Deacon Jim Thill officiating. Military honors will follow accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa.

John Francis Baker was born July 17, 1943, in Dubuque the Son of Harry and Margaret (Shadle) Baker. John received his education from Sacred Heart Catholic and Dubuque Senior High Schools.

John was very proud of his military service in the US Navy and served on the USNS Henry J. Kaiser and USS John King from 1960 to 1964. He retired from John Deere Dubuque works in 1993 and was a member of the UAW Local 94. John married, “The love of his life,” Rita A. (Koeller) on November 17, 1999.

During his retirement, he worked for I.W.I. and Fashion Touch Dry Cleaners.

John was a gentle giant to all who knew him and was most proud of his children, step children, grandchildren and step grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him most.

He is survived by his wife Rita, his son Jon (Kristie Kruser) Baker, his two daughters, Jody (Rob) Lenstra, and Jeanne (Tim Graybill) Saunders. His step children Deb (Michael) Clemens, Barb (Jeff) Potts, Steve (Jerry Hammel), Donna (Rod) Clemen and Kevin (Tracy) Koeller. His eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nine step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. His brothers Jim (Shirley) Baker, Jerry (Sherry) Baker and sister Elaine (Joe) Thurston, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Helen Kemp, and brother, Richard (Juanita) Baker.

In lieu of flowers a John Baker Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, his nurses, Chaplin Jim Mehltretter, Dr. Hillard Salas, close friends Mary Kaye, and Mike Hagar. A special thanks to their daughter-in-law, Tracy, for all of her care and compassion shown to John and Rita over the years.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.