Helen Marie Baker

(nee Hausken)

Age 92 of Verona, passed away peacefully in Ottawa, Illinois, on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Born July 13, 1932 in Morris, Illinois, to Peter and Astrid (Anderson) Hausken, Helen was the eighth of ten children and enjoyed a very special relationship with her sisters throughout their lives. Raised in Stavanger, Illinois, she was baptized and confirmed at Stavanger Lutheran Church. Helen graduated from Seneca High School with the Class of 1950 and attended Illinois State University.

Helen married Donald Baker on November 23, 1952, at Stavanger Lutheran Church. Together they raised their three sons, Bruce, Brad, and Bryan, on the farm in rural Verona, which continues to be operated by their sons today.

Descending from parents who were both born in Norway, Helen's Norwegian heritage was an important part of her life, and she was known to recite the Norwegian Table Prayer at family gatherings in the original language. For many years, Helen was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Seneca, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and was active in several women's groups. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Illinois Fighting Illini, and college basketball in general. Particularly, she was a fan of any teams who beat Duke.

Several years after Don's death, she was introduced to a gentleman who was also a widower. Jack Kutches and Helen became steady companions and enjoyed each other's company for many years until his death. Jack's family welcomed Helen and the two of them spent many hours together going out to eat and attending family functions.

Helen spent the past year as an involved and connected resident of Pleasant View Hearthstone in Ottawa, where she enjoyed excellent care and the companionship of several new friends.

Survivors include her three sons: Bruce (Deb) Baker, Brad (Linda) Baker, and Bryan (Deb) Baker, all of rural Verona; eleven grandchildren: Jason (Kaitlin) Baker of Alexandria, Virginia, Dan (Elizabeth) Baker of Seneca, Matt (Stacey) Baker of Morris, Brooke (Andrew) Katcher of Ransom, Brent (Sarah) Baker of Verona, Bryanne (Adam) Heitzig of Fieldon, Coley (Dillon) Reel of Ottawa, and A.J., Paige, Faith, and Max Baker, all of Verona; twelve great grandchildren: Jack and Grant Baker, Lilah and Ford Baker, Luke and Nathan Baker, Baylor and Blake Katcher, Lena, Henry, and Beth Baker, and Halle Heitzig; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Astrid Hausken; her husband, Don, on November 26, 1988; brothers: Russell, Orville, Earl, and Norman; and sisters: Evelyn Swenhaugen, Clara Hauge, Shirley Johnson Seidler, Lois Anderson, and Doris Olson.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Stavanger Lutheran Church, 2904 North 32nd Road, in rural Seneca on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Reverend Dick Ewing will officiate, and burial will follow at Stavanger Cemetery where Helen will be laid to rest with her husband, Don.

Pallbearers will be: Brent Baker, A.J. Baker, Dillon Reel, Jason Baker, Dan Baker, and Matt Baker.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Helen's memory to Pleasant View Luther Home in Ottawa or to the Morris Hospital Foundation.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneralHome.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Helen's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory, 121 Jefferson Street in Morris, Illinois (815/942-0700)