Bradley Joel Baker

Bradley Joel Baker, age 55, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, MI 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 Mfg., 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 January 14, 1960 in Sturgis, MI to Dennis Owen and Sharon L. (Malone) Baker. He graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1978, 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 soul mate, Kimberly J. Ray. They had two beautiful daughters, Amanda (Baker) Scheske, and Hayley (Baker) Garcia. Brad owned and operated Classic Mfg. in Sturgis from 1987 – 2007. He became a licensed Real Estate Broker and Auctioneer from 2008-2009. In Feb. 2010 he and his business partner and best friend Wade Wolf opened and operated NEO Trailers in Sturgis, MI. He was past president of Klinger Lake Country Club, past Exalted Ruler of the Sturgis Elks Lodge, past board member of the National Association of Trailer Mfg., a member of the Conservation and Sportsman Club, a long time member of the Burr Oak Dance Club, a volunteer for the St. Joseph County Sheriff Dept. 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, Kimberly (Ray) Baker of 32 years; his two daughters Amanda (Baker) Scheske and her husband Brett. Hayley (Baker) Garcia and her husband Marcos all of Sturgis, MI. Mother, Sharon (Malone) Baker of Sturgis, MI and her significant other Toby Dobrzelewski of Kalamazoo, MI. Sister Julie Baker and significant other Cary Cookson both of Sturgis, MI. Nieces and Nephews: Jennifer Kirtley and Spencer Kirtley of Vicksburg, MI. Sister-in-law: Kelli Ray-Fry and husband Angus Stinson of Waterford, MI. Nephews Sam and William Fry both of Sturgis, MI. Mother-In- Law- Wanda M. Ray of Sturgis, MI. Uncle Rodney Baker and Aunt Emily Baker of Sturgis, MI. And his loving dogs, Lola and Colby, and grand dog Magglio. He was preceded in death by his Father, Dennis O. Baker, 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 1:00 P.M., Friday, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, MI with the Rev. Michael Wicks, officiating. Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of Sturgis or the St. Joseph County Sheriffs Dept. Reserves. Envelopes are available at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091 who is in charge of the arrangements. His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages may be left for the family.