Durward A. Baker M.D.

Baker, Durward A., M.D Of Oconomowoc and Savannah, GA. Formerly of Wauwatosa. Born February 21, 1931. Passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2013. Age 82. Preceded in death by his first wife Diana (nee Wilson), parents William and Helen (nee Holt), brother William V. Baker, MD., and beloved childhood pal and cousin Suzy Cheney (nee Holt). Beloved husband of Nancy (nee Cooley). Dear father of Dr. Stephen (Penny) Baker and Cheryl (Michael) King. Loving "G-PA" of 10 adoring grandchildren; Scott, William, Mathew and Samantha Baker; Ryan, Kelly, Jenna and Dustin Rampetsreiter; Jennifer and Colton King. Loving "Uncle Bud" to Dean, Dale, Vance, Pam and Amy. Further survived by his loving step-children, John (Gina) Stearns, Kelly Stearns and Christopher (Jill) Stearns; other relatives and many friends. He met his first true love, Diana, while attending college at the University of Wisconsin. He was a proud member of the University of Wisconsin golf team, as well as the Chi Psi Fraternity. He married Diana August 25, 1955. Received his B.S. and M.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin. Completed his internship and psychiatric residency through Milwaukee County Hospital, the V.A. Hospital and Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital. Served in the U.S. Army as the base psychiatrist in Georgia from 1959-1961. Practiced psychiatry until his retirement in 1994. Married for 46 wonderful years to Diana until her death in 2001. Later, he met his second true love, Nancy on Skidaway Island, GA. They married on April 9, 2004 and spent over 10 glorious years together. Fiercely loyal to his Wauwatosa roots, his retirement home in Savannah, GA and his lake cottage in Oconomowoc. Accomplished amateur golfer. In his prime carried a "zero" handicap. Member of Westmoor Country Club for over 50 years, where he was past president and club champion. Avid enthusiast for the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Affectionately known as "Bud" or "Buddy" to his many friends. He was the perfect fusion of Holt sensitivity and loveliness and Baker ego and showmanship. Special thanks to the Nicholas, Nygro and Spencer families, as well as Gina Zlotocha, N.P of Compassionate Care Hospice for their unparalleled assistance during the last few weeks of Bud's life. His last message to his surviving family and friends: "Whether on the sidelines or in my heart, I will always be the one cheering the loudest for you." Visitation Saturday, May 11, from 9:00 AM until the time of the memorial service at 12:00 noon, at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to either Life Navigators, 7203 W. Center St., Wauwatosa, WI 53210, www.lifenavigators.org or the Evans Scholars Foundation, www.evansscholarsfoundation.com.