Bradley J. Baker

1960 - 2015

Bradley Joel Baker, age 55, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with Glioblastoma (brain cancer).
Everything Brad did in life was done with care and passion.
Whether he was volunteering as a sheriff reserve deputy, holding a monthly appreciation luncheon for the employees at Neo Manufacturing, or practicing his "cattle rattle," before an auction; Brad's voice was always heard and the love he had for his family, friends, and the world around him was always felt and will never be forgotten.
Brad was born Jan. 14, 1960, in Sturgis, to Dennis Owen and Sharon L. (Malone) Baker. He graduated in 1978 from Sturgis High School, where he excelled as an all-state wrestler. After high school, he earned a wrestling scholarship from Western Michigan University, where he graduated with a degree in marketing and a minor in computers.
On April 23, 1983, he married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Kimberly J. Ray. They had two beautiful daughters, Amanda (Baker) Scheske, and Hayley (Baker) Garcia.
Brad owned and operated Classic Manufacturing in Sturgis from 1987-2007. He became a licensed real estate broker and auctioneer from 2008-2009. In February 2010, he and his business partner and best friend, Wade Wolf, opened and operated NEO Trailers in Sturgis.
He was past president of Klinger Lake Country Club, past exalted ruler of Sturgis Elks Lodge, past board member of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturing, a member of the Conservation and Sportsman Club, a longtime member of Burr Oak Dance Club, a volunteer for the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department as a reserve officer and the 2014 Reserve Officer of the Year.
Between his professional and family life, being Mr. Fix-It around the house, ice fishing, plowing driveways, playing cards, dancing, telling jokes, shaking hands and giving hugs, Brad never let a minute of his time here on earth go to waste.
The grip he had on life, his family, his friends and the city he grew up in will live on forever.
Brad will be sorely missed by his loving wife of 32 years, Kimberly (Ray) Baker; his two daughters, Amanda (Baker) Scheske and her husband, Brett, and Hayley (Baker) Garcia and her husband, Marcos, all of Sturgis; his mother, Sharon (Malone) Baker of Sturgis and her significant other, Toby Dobrzelewski, of Kalamazoo; a sister, Julie Baker and significant other, Cary Cookson, both of Sturgis; nieces and nephews Jennifer Kirtley and Spencer Kirtley of Vicksburg; a sister-in-law, Kelli Ray-Fry and husband, Angus Stinson, of Waterford; nephews Sam and William Fry, both of Sturgis; his mother-in-law, Wanda M. Ray, of Sturgis; Uncle Rodney Baker and Aunt Emily Baker of Sturgis; and his loving dogs, Lola and Colby, and granddog, Magglio.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis O. Baker; a brother, Mitchell Baker; and father-in-law Donald E. Ray.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Bradley Joel Baker will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, with the Rev. Michael Wicks officiating.
Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of Sturgis or the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department Reserves. Envelopes are available at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes,
807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis, which is in charge of arrangements.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages may be left for the family.