Craig Martin Baker

After a long and valiant fight with leukemia, Craig found peace on December 8, 2021. Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Zola and Leo Baker, his in-laws John and Mary Matuszewski, and brother-in-law Frank Jannotti. Craig is survived by his best friend and wife of 48 years, Marla, and son Brian (Jennifer). Proud grandfather of Justin and Morgan. He is further survived by his sister, Connie Jannotti, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Craig will forever be missed by his family and friends.
Craig was born in Milwaukee to Leo and Zola Baker where he joined his sister, Connie. Craig and his family lived in a quiet neighborhood of Milwaukee and so did another young family with a sweet little girl, just 2 doors down. Craig became smitten with this little gal, but she moved away and left him broken-hearted. Years later, Craig and his family moved and wouldn't you
know it, the alley shared in the backyard belonged to the family of that little gal that Craig had his eye on once before. From that moment on, the love story between Craig and Marla blossomed once again.
Craig began his education at UW Whitewater but received the calling to serve his country. Craig was drafted to the Army and was sent to active duty in Vietnam. For this we are all truly grateful, but even more grateful that he returned home safely to marry his childhood sweetheart. Craig and Marla were married in 1973. He loved spending time with his wife going up north, going to the casino, working around their house, and even accompanying her to antique flea markets.
Craig and Marla were blessed with their son, Brian. Craig quickly found out that being a father was one of the best things he'd ever do. Raising Brian was one of the highlights of his life. He taught him to be independent but at the same time reminded him that he was always there for him. Craig's love for sports was exemplified when he was able to share it with his son. He even began coaching Brian's Northwest Little League baseball team. As Brian moved on with his own baseball adventures, Craig became his biggest fan and best friend. Craig had a great sense of humor. He was never without a joke or a quick one-liner to make you laugh or story that made you shake your head. Many of the stories he told were from the shenanigans that he and his friends stirred up. He always said "do as I say not as I do". Craig was the life of a party. He was the entertainer, the bartender and the core of the group.
Craig was a hard-working, self-less man. He worked as a supervisor at GE: Hotpoint for many years and retired from Hydrite Chemical in March of 2013.
Craig will always be remembered as a dedicated family man. He was an amazing husband, dad, father-in-law, and grandpa
who would do anything for you, even fix anything you needed fixing (duct tape and bungee cords were his specialty). His most prized times were spent with family, especially with his grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren beyond words and loved having them to share interests and activities with. Some of their favorite things to do were going to movies, wrestling in the basement, playing basketball on a Little Tikes basketball hoop, and of course hunting and fishing! The memories created
together will always be cherished and kept close to heart.
We will miss Craig more than words can say, but we will never forget the man he was and the way he touched the lives of everyone he met.
Visitation will be held on December 18, 2021, from 9 to 11:30 am with a Service following from 11:30-12:30 at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 1875 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield. Interment to follow at Highland Memorial Park.
Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor Craig in a special way.
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