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Kolssak Funeral Home, Ltd.

189 South Milwaukee Avenue

Wheeling, Illinois

Robert Baker Obituary

Dr. Robert S. Baker, 76, loving father of Miles and beloved husband of Donna, passed away on Saturday evening at home in the care of his loving family after his long battle with cancer on Aug 21st while he was playing music. Beloved son of the late Edward and Ladybird Baker. Brother of the late Edward (late Dolores) Baker and Earline (late Melvin) Clark. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. Loving friend to many.

Dr. Baker was a psychiatrist in private practice for over 40 years in the north suburban area of Chicago. Also, an accomplished jazz saxophone and flute player who knew and played with many of the greats. A graveside ceremony will be held Monday Aug 30th at 2 pm at Sunset Memorial Lawns (Northbrook) for family and close friends. A celebration of life memorial will take place at a later date. Donations to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/ are greatly appreciated. To leave a condolence or for more information visit www.funerals.pro or call 847.537.6600.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Aug. 27 to Aug. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Baker

Not sure what to say?





ZCurtis

July 28, 2025

I miss you everyday Dr. Baker. No one understood me like you did. You were a great Doctor and I miss you dearly.

Tamara

April 6, 2025

My condolences to the family of Dr. Baker. What a loss to the world. As many Doctors do, Dr. Baker saved my life. As only a few people accomplish, Dr. Baker changed my life. I'd imagine his gift to humanity lives on in many
like myself.

Mary Essick Bartolucci

February 24, 2025

I knew and loved Bobby at Senn HS and played flute in band and orchestra, as well as playing in the woodwind quintet mentioned here by Janet, our oboist, I only saw Bob in person at reunions but we had a wonderful texting relationship and shared great musical and other fun memories. I knew he was being treated but did not know his cancer had become that serious. I still think of things I want to tell him. RIP dear friend!

Marc Berner

June 19, 2024

Godspeed, Bobby. Thank you for your kindness.

JeKeissa

April 9, 2024

Missing you Uncle Bobby! I think of you often. Thank you for sharing your gift and love of music with us!

Valerie

December 15, 2023

I often come back and read all these beautiful words about Dr.Baker. I haven't found another Psychiatrist I don't thank I want to I received my medical records the many notes he took during our sessions he was just different very helpful loved his family and jazz . I'm not doing so good Doc but I often ask for guidance and just remember some coping skills you taught me. I will never find another Psychiatrist that really put his heart into his work. I thank about Rhonda who would always call me back when he got to busy.Rest in Heaven it's almost Christmas my husband died on Christmas and you told me surround yourself with positive people who knows and understands what you are going through.
I'm doing that always giving great advice until we met again.

Donna & Miles Baker

October 12, 2023

It's been 2 years since Bobby passed away.I decided to look at the condolences. I hadn't seen any of these.
It was so wonderful to hear people talk about what a kind Dr he was and that he felt like a friend. My son and I still can't believe he's not here. We hear him and feel him everywhere.
He was so kind and
generous to us that
nothing will ever fill that void. Too be loved by him was truly a gift, one that we will live with the
rest of our lives. We will love you for eternity.
Your loving wife Donna
and adoring son Miles.
Thank you to every one
who had such kind word to say about Bobby.

Evan Winfield

August 30, 2023

I worked with Dr. Baker for almost 30 years. Our paths split, and I just learned of his passing today. I am just devastated. He was so good to me. Such a good person to talk to. I´ll always miss him.

Rochelle Roth

August 22, 2023

I still can´t believe that Dr. Baker has been gone 2 years. I still have not found another psychiatrist. I would love to hear what he would say about our world right now. Miss you Dr. Rest In Peace and may your memory always be a blessing to all that knew you.

susan shamrock

August 18, 2023

I can't believe it's been 2 years since his passing. I now go to another doctor but no one will ever take Dr. bakers place. He helped me so much and I miss him alot. may he rest in peace.

Dan Juroff

April 15, 2023

I am embarrassed to say that I only just learned of Dr. Baker's passing. He was so helpful to my mother and to our family during the last year's of her life. Occasionally I would think of Dr. Baker, wonder how he was doing, and promise myself to reach out to him once more. He was one of those people whose presence in the world helped to make it a better place for the rest of us. We'll never forget you, Dr. Baker!

Valerie Hawthorne

February 12, 2022

I find myself thinking of you often and how you helped me through difficult times your knowledge of so many things that we often talked about your love for jazz and your cd you gave me. I still haven't located another Psychiatrist you had a great bed side manner I was able to open up to you about my problems you helped me in so many ways I've laughed and I've cried during my session but whenever l lft I felt so much better there will never be another Dr. Baker I'm struggling again but not giving up thank you for telling me how to cope with situations I will be forever grateful.
Rest with the best.
My deepest condolences to your family gone but not forgotten
Rest Well My Friend.

Wanda TYNDALL-WHITE

February 11, 2022

I am a therapist who just today found out about the passing of this talented man. I have referred patients to him and was so happy to have him serve our community. Thank you Dr. Baker and Thank you Dr. Baker's family for sharing so a good man

Julia Tonias

December 30, 2021

He was an amazing man who helped me as well as many others. My deepest condolences to your loved family. He will be greatly missed.

Dorothy

November 30, 2021

I just found out about Dr Baker passing. My deepest condolences to his family. I always felt better after our talks. He will be greatly missed by so many. Rest In Peace

Tracy Cruz

November 19, 2021

I just learned of Dr. Baker´s passing and am absolutely heart broken. He was such a blessing to me and I was privileged to have known him the past 14 years. Our meetings together were filled with discussions of world events, music, our mutual love for the Bible, among other things. He was passionate and caring and made me a better person. He was like a friend to me and I had the utmost respect for him. A beautiful light has gone out in the world and he will be greatly missed. My most heartfelt and sincerest condolences to his family.

ELvira Flores

November 1, 2021

To the Baker family our condolences and our sadness goes out to you may God bless everyone of you at this time I was just notified about Dr. Robert Baker today, our family is so sad to hear this

Susan Shamrock

October 13, 2021

Just found out about the loss of my respected doctor. He helped me through many things thru the years and I am so sad he is gone.He was a gentle soul who will be missed by many. God bless the family.

Melinda chapman

October 12, 2021

Just found out was a Patient of his for 12 years He was not only the best doctor but truly someone that cared tremendously and it´s going to be hard finding a dr like him!! When I was at my lowest he didn´t he didn´t give up on me as a patient and was passionate about his work . One of a kind

Cheryl Bradford

October 11, 2021

My last contact with Dr. Baker, involved his great patience, trying to convince me to go to the E.R. for an infection. His insistence probably saved my life. I was in the hospital & rehab for 7 weeks with a PICC line infusion & two different antibiotics the entire time. I´ve been calling the office to say, "Thank You", & schedule an appointment. Today, while online checking the phone number, I was shocked to read why calls aren´t being answered. I will truly miss
Dr. Baker. I´m certain the music
in heaven is pretty lively now!
My deepest sympathies to
Dr. Baker´s family, coworkers & friends.
God Bless you all with His Loving Peace.

Tiffany Nay

October 7, 2021

I'm just finding out the sad news. He was a wonderful human being. May he forever, rest in peace.

Sarah Barmann

October 5, 2021

I´m a patient of Dr. Baker´s, and I´m so sad to learn of his passing. I spoke with him less than a month before, and I am humbled to know he clearly took care of his patients until the end. I will miss his gentle and calming demeanor, expertise, and kindness. He always listened to me and my concerns, and I wish I could thank him one more time for helping me get my life back. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Dr. Baker.

Sheryl Luvert

September 23, 2021

I was trying to avoid the inevitable. I just decided today to go online & see if there was an update about Dr. Baker. Found this. Speechless. Dr. Baker was a rockstar doctor & friend. My prayers are with his loved ones as well as his staff member Ronda. He was so proud of his family. Loved his perspective on certain "controversial" topics. Rest in Peace "Doc."

Doug McDade

September 23, 2021

We too, just learned the news. Dr. Robert Baker, thank you so much for your loving care in the work you leave behind. Always open, gentle and reassuring, your demeanor was professionally compassionate and conversational, and you were as approachable and casual as a dear friend. Straight and to the point in such a kind way, you showed immeasurable concern.
Thank you. And thank you for sharing your love of music and fellow artists, and being such an inspiration. May God's blessings keep your family warm in the comfort of His grace and peace in this time so their memories of you remain joyous. In His Name!

Please let us know when and where there will be a celebration of Dr. Baker's life. I pray it hasn't happened yet. My family and I would love to attend.

Georgia Dolce

September 22, 2021

I have just heard of this tonight. My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Baker. I will never forget his smile - and the care and kindness that he extended to others. I am glad for the music that he shared when we worked together in Waukegan. Just today, (prior to hearing of his passing), I came across those music discs and had thought fondly of him. What a privilege to have known him! May God bring comfort and peace to all.

Laura Zbotaniw

September 19, 2021

I´m so saddened to hear of Dr.Bakers passing. He was one of my favorite patients. May our dear Lord bless his family.

Valerie Hawthorne

September 10, 2021

My deepest condolences Dr. Baker helped me through my many struggles he will be missed
God bless you Dr.Baker my heart is broken rest in heaven.

Lee Ashe

September 9, 2021

I just discovered today of this loss.

Dr Robert Baker was not just amazing at his job but, he was a friend to me on so many levels. We shared Jazz, music and being musicians - most of all, he had the incredible gift of being able to gently help so many people and there´s no words to describe how choosing to spend precious time, helping others while pushing through his own battle.
He was and always will be my hero and friend.
My condolences to his family.
It Feels like I´ve lost more than a friend.
I am so glad you and Donna did visit my hometown (Dublin, Ireland).
You will never be forgotten and I will be forever grateful to have known you.
Prayers and thoughts to Donna his wife and Miles.


Fly high and Rest peacefully.

Guy W. Wallace

September 4, 2021

My condolences to Donna and all of the family and friends. May all your best memories sustain you in these times of sorrow.

Daram Reddy M.D.

August 28, 2021

My Heart Felt Condolences To Donna & Miles. I have Known Bobby For Past 30 yrs As A Professional Colleague In Lake County. He Was A Good Psychaitrist & Had Strong Opinions About Injustices In Society. He Shared One Of His Music Discs With Me. Rest In Peace Bobby.

Rochelle Roth

August 28, 2021

I was a patient of Dr. Baker´s. He wasn´t just my doctor but he was my friend too. We talked about music, musicians and artwork. We talked about the world today. I feel like I have lost a close family member. May He Rest In Peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who loved and cared about him. I will miss him terribly.

Steve pierce

August 27, 2021

I ve know Bobby since high school. He was always a good person and friendly to me in high school and at.our reunions. I will miss seeing Bobby rip my.friend

Charles C Spratt

August 27, 2021

I was a patient of Dr. Baker's and was shocked and deeply saddened to hear he had passed. He was a caring companionate Dr. who really cared about his patients. When we spoke I felt like I was speaking to a friend. I will miss him very much!

Janet Turuda Clevenstine

August 26, 2021

I had the pleasure of playing the oboe in a woodwind quintet with Bobby Baker at Senn High School: he was as cool then as I'm sure he remained for the rest of his life. I hope all your years of wonderful memories with him will bring you a measure of comfort. With deepest sympathy, Janet "Jenny" Turuda Clevenstine

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

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Memorial Events
for Robert Baker

Aug

30

Graveside service

2:00 p.m.

Sunset Memorial Lawns (Northbrook)

IL

Funeral services provided by:

Kolssak Funeral Home, Ltd.

189 South Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090

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