Robert M. Baca

Born in Papillon, Nebraska , on November 1, 1939 to Dr. Donaciano (Don) and his wife Anne (Pindeera) Baca, Bob was the older brother to George (Joan) Baca, and his beloved sister, Mary Alice (Cullinane). Early on, his family settled in Omaha where his father practiced medicine as a surgeon, for decades. Bob attended Creighton Preparatory, graduating early at age 16. After demonstrating a passion and talent for architecture, he attended Norte Dame University, where he met and married Marilyn (McLane) and began making a family. Bob was recruited to work for renowned architect Leo A. Daly and was a part of the team that built Marina City in Chicago. He went on to work for many other firms and designed many types of buildings, where his knowledge of architecture grew to be vast. Following the births of his children, Lisa (Chris) Morse, and twins Maria (Woody) Meachum and Donn, Bob’s family settled in Chicago, and later moved to Indiana to be closer to Marilyn’s family. Following their divorce, Bob and his twins returned to Chicago where many years of happiness were spent living on Dearborn Street in a brownstone full of incredible friends and neighbors. Friendship was his truest gift and his love of his friends carried him through many tough times. When Bob retired from architecture, he went to live in Oak Park, Illinois with Maria, Woody, and his grandchildren, Abby and Ian.

Bob was an excellent musician and spent many a Wednesday night in Chicago attending piano bars where his friends performed and joined them singing his signature songs. He fondly remembered playing in a small trio in high school with his brother George and both played guitar beautifully. So many fond memories of the music they made together fill the hearts of all the family. The Ski Song was a particular favorite of all the Baca children.

While he was a devout Catholic, Bob despised funerals, wakes, and all ceremonies involving death in general. He expressly wished not to have a formal service, but asked only for a mass in the family church in Omaha. He requested his ashes be scattered in places he loved and that instead of a wake or memorial at a funeral home, that smaller more intimate celebrations of his life occur instead. “Sing some songs and raise a glass” was his only request. The coming months will see friends and family honoring his last wish.