John C. "Jack" Baker

McHENRY – John Charles "Jack" Baker, 69, of McHenry, died Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Centegra Hospital – McHenry after a yearlong battle with cancer.

He was born Sept. 17, 1940, in Chicago, to Jack C. and Mary (Grennan) Baker. On July 6, 1963, he married Barbara A. Waterloo in Evanston.

He had been a resident of the McHenry area for 40 years. He was employed in the grocery business for many years with Eagle Foods. He retired from Modine Manufacturing in 2005. He also worked part time as a ranger at Boone Creek Golf Club.

He was an avid golfer and bowler, enjoyed traveling, camping, and telling campfire stories to his grandchildren. He was a die-hard Bears and Cubs fan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Barbara; two children, Brian of McHenry and Christine (Jeff) Cox of Green Bay, Wis., and he was a loving grandfather to Jon and Jordan Baker and Callie Cox. He also is survived by a sister, Mary Gert Baker of Round Lake Beach; a sister-in-law, Kathy Engstrom of McHenry; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Patti Comer; and a brother-in-law, Bruce Engstrom.

The visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 25, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry. The visitation will continue from 9 a.m. Monday, July 26, at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry, until the funeral Mass is celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will be in The Church of Holy Apostles Cemetery, McHenry.

For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, his family suggests memorials be made to the family or to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Janet Smith, memorials chairperson, 200 S. Green St., McHenry, IL 60050.

For information, call the funeral home at 815-385-2400. Friends may send an online condolence to the family at www.justenfh.com.