Dr. William "Bill" W. Baak

1932 - 2020

Dr. William "Bill" W. Baak

Beloved husband of Betty Baak (Nee Krueger); father and father-in-law of Dr. Steven (Julie) Baak and Dr. Katherine (Douglas) Placek of Yardley, PA; grandfather of Sara Baak, Emma (Michael) Gentry, and Kristina Placek, and a dear friend to many.

Bill graduated from Southwest High School (Minneapolis, Minnesota) in 1950. He completed his undergraduate and medical training at the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1957. After receiving his M.D., he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Then Bill took a Residency in Child Psychiatry at University of Colorado, Denver.

After completing his training, Bill took his first job at the Community Mental Health Center in San Diego, California, where he helped develop and expand the program. In 1965, he began his private practice treating children and families in LaJolla, California. In addition to seeing patients full time, Bill taught at the UCSD Medical School and supervised psychiatry residents. Bill eventually retired in 1999.

A dedicated advocate for children, Bill enjoyed serving on the board of La Jolla Country Day School. This community of teachers, administrators and students was very important to him, as both of his children, Steven and Katie, attended all 12years of school there. Despite a very busy schedule, he always made time to attend their athletic events, musical performances and plays. Bill and his wife, Betty, were familiar faces in the bleachers and in the audience, cheering on both kids and their classmates.

In 2012 Bill and Betty moved to St. Louis, Missouri. To the delight of Bill and Betty, the extended Volk family welcomed them with open arms and gave them their first experience at being part of a large family, something they had never had, but always wanted. Bill greatly enjoyed playing his clarinet in the Oasis Orchestra and performing with the Shriner’s band. Bill enjoyed his weekly clarinet practice session with Joe Volk.

Bill loved to fish, and, in fact, went lake fishing with Betty for their honeymoon. Both their children were raised to share that love of the outdoors and patiently waiting for a bite on their hook. Bill and Steven took many trips together over the years to fish various lakes and oceans. Some of Bill’s favorite moments in St. Louis were ones on the dock, or out on the lake, behind his son Steven’s home.

Bill really enjoyed his life. He cherished his wife, children and three granddaughters. He loved his extended St. Louis and Pennsylvania families and the many special friends cultivated over the years. Bill genuinely liked and cared about people. He helped many children and families, and, even in retirement years, touched many lives. He lived with gusto and followed many interests, up to his last days. Bill will be remembered, loved and very much missed, always.

Service at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444, Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, Sat. March 14, 3 p.m. Visitation from 2-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriner’s Band 8146 Gannon Ave. St. Louis, MO 63130 or Oasis Orchestra Group at 50 Gay Ave. St. Louis, MO 63105, 314-862-4859.