Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Baker Obituary
Robert was united in marriage on June 6, 1959 at the Plano Methodist Church, in Plano, IL to the former Susanne Van Gundy and they spent the next 48 happy years of their lives together. Mr. Baker was employed for several years by the Illinois Gas Company. He then went into the family business, The Waterman Construction Company in Waterman, IL as its Personnel and Office Manager. In recent years he worked as a substitute teacher in the Plano School District. Bob was a longtime member of the Sunbeam Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. #428 in Plano, IL. He loved to attend sporting events also loved being outdoors hunting and fishing with his sons, family and friends. Bob was a true people person and loved to be with people both young and old. He meet and greeted everyone he passed. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Bob was survived by his wife, Susanne Baker of Plano, IL; his sons, Robert (Sherri) Baker, Jr. of Bryon, IL, and Jeffrey Lynn (Audra) Baker of Peatonica, IL; his grandchildren, Brooke Baker, Kylie Hester, Jeffrey Jr., Nelson, and Nolan Baker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lillian Baker, Sr.; his infant son Bryan Lynn Baker, and his brother Bill Baker.
Friends may visit from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. with a Masonic Service taking place at 8:00 P.M.on Friday, November 23, 2007 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 W. South St., Plano, IL.
Visitation will continue from 12:00 until 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the United Methodist Church of Plano, 219 N. Hale St., Plano, IL.
A Memorial Service will then take place at 4:00 P.M., on Saturday, November 24, at the United Methodist Church of Plano with Pastor Chistina Vosteen, officiating. Interment will be private.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory, 630-552-7211.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Baker
Rennetta (Sorensen) Mickelson
November 27, 2007
I just heard about Bobby today. His was certainly a familiar name in my home as I was growing up; he ended up a friend to 3 generations of the men in my family. What a surprise it was when my son Mike-now a junior-first came home from PHS talking about Bobby Baker! I'm so very sorry for Sue & family and also all his friends who will miss him. May God comfort you as only He can.
LaDon and Sheila Lemke
November 26, 2007
Dear Sue and family,
I just received an email from Mary Kay Broerman telling us about Bob's death.He was aways a nice person to visit with and loved to talk about the children he had in his School Classes. Your family will be in our prayers. Before moving to Northern Wisconsin, we lived in the park model on Lot 6.
Mary K. (Dick and Richelle, too) Broerman
November 26, 2007
Dear Sue,
It seems unbelievable that Bob is no longer with us. What a kind man and always the gentleman. He always inspired me and it was evident he was a man of tremendous faith.
I know he is with God now and is smiling that wonder smile of his soul on you, your family and his many friends. The first words he must have heard when meeting his Lord, was: "well done, my faithful servant!"
You and your family are in our prayers.
Kristy Lawrie Gravlin
November 25, 2007
Sue and all...
I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You two have always been in my memories of teen years..."old" kids that we "young" ones could look up to as role models for life. Obviously his skills at that continued to grow and expand to all around him through the years.
Jim Jensen
November 23, 2007
While visiting family out of state for Thanksgiving,we were saddened to read of Bob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Baker family.
Michael Siegele
November 22, 2007
Bob has been a part of my life for the past 51 years and will always be. I think back on the stories and lessons of life that Bob taught me so many many years ago,these lessons have influnced me forever and Bob will live on in me. I spent many a summer with Sue & Bob: The Midnight travels from Emporia to Illionis in his Cool convertable, I'll never forget! Bob's sense of humor was one of a kind. I remember setting in the car once Bob pulled up to a STOP sign and told us all to get out of the car, he made us all get out, we didn't know what was going on, then Bob says: "STOP Sign you all need to sign your names on the STOP sign before we can go ahead."
We all wonder if ours lives make a difference in others lives, well Bob did in mine. Thanks I'll never forgot you! mikes
Chuck & Nan Johnson
November 21, 2007
Dear Sue and Family,
We have all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Bob was truly one of a kind. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed by many.
Chuck and Nan
Debbie Mielke
November 21, 2007
Sue,I'm so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a gentle soul, a true embodiment of the phrase "class act". He truly was one of a kind. I'll miss seeing his smiling face at Christmas Mountain. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lorilynn Stark (Riemensnider)
November 21, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Letter to my family
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
Pastor Stan Motley
November 21, 2007
Dear Sue and Family,
I justed wanted to say that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I remember talking with Bob when he had his heart problem a number of years ago. He was a pleasure to talk with and pray with and Bob was always very friendly each time we would see each other.
Kay Mason Murray
November 21, 2007
Dear Sue and family, So sorry to read of Bob's death..I have very fond memories of Bob..from days gone by..My condolences to you and the family..Kay Mason Murray
Dick Lewis
November 21, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow.
Norman Northcutt
November 21, 2007
Bob was a High School classmate and Senior Class President. A job that he seemed to enjoy more though the years at our class fuctions.
Back in the 80's I found myself and my dog Pepper in the ditch at the top of the hill comeing from our store in Sandwich, in our Audi with a broken tie rod. As I got out of the car, a familliar voice asked if he could be of help. It was Bob. He didn't know who it was when he had stoped.
Sure he stoped to help many along lifes way.
He will turlely be missed.
Paula Hill-Emery
November 20, 2007
Sue and family,
I remember Bob and his love of wrestling. As Jeff said tonight, "he took us all over the state to wrestle the off season." He so loved Plano and his family and was so proud of his sons. Not only will your family will miss him, but the whole town of Plano will feel the loss.
Brianne Bedford
November 20, 2007
Mr.Baker was an amazing person.. he treated me like one of his neices even though i wasnt.. he really did have an impact on all of us at PHS and im going to miss those "life stories" If you ever need anything please feel free to email me..
Elizabeth Baker
November 20, 2007
Thank you so much, we will all miss him tremendously. He was my uncle, and he was an amazing Christian man.
Deb Chatman
November 20, 2007
Mr. Baker was an awesome person who will be missed by every student and staff member here at PHS. He always had a smile on his face as he greeted each of us. No matter how he felt or how busy he was, there was always time for him to stop by and see how we were doing. The kids have all been sharing their memories of Bob as a substitute teacher and the stories and "life lessons" he would teach them. We all enjoyed having him sub for our classes and knew the students would be kept busy one way or another. The impact that Bob had on so many is a legacy to be proud of. His spirit will live on at PHS for years to come through all that were fortunate enough to have known him.
Your family is in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers.
Love Deb Chatman
PHS teacher
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Baker's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Baker
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Baker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
