Cornelius John Baden

Cornelius John “Skip” Baden, 84, of Portage, Michigan passed away peacefully in his home on March 19, 2026. He was born June 21, 1941 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Cornelius Bud and Fran (Milliman) Baden.

Skip was a lifelong Kalamazoo resident, he graduated from State High in 1959, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He then went on to attend Western Michigan University for college.

Skip was an avid flyer, taking friends and family on rides in his own plane. He was most well known for bowling, he made many friends on the lanes. In later years he started golfing and that quickly became a new passion.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents: Cornelius Bud and Fran (Milliman) Baden, and his first wife, Barbara Baden.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Baden; his sister: Jackie Baden; children: David (Valerie) Craig Baden, Christopher John Baden, Andrew (Maritza) Neal Baden, Tonja Koss, Rob VanDyke; Ten Grandchildren; and Fifteen Great-Grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life and Burial is being planned for the near future; the burial will take place at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South according to his wishes

While visiting Skip’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. Schoolcraft, MI 49087, (269 679-5622).