Stephen John Baker

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Stephen John Baker, on December 6th, 2023. Stephen was a pillar of strength, compassion, and unwavering love, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Fond memories of our father flood our hearts, each one a testament to his enduring love and commitment. From the simple joys of childhood, such as bedtime stories and cozy footed pajamas, to the cherished family traditions he held close—like our traditional Christmas Eves with the Bakers and Christmas Days in Ankeny—Stephen's presence provided a constant source of warmth and entertainment. He tucked us in at night, reading stories like "The Penguin Who Hated the Cold". He encouraged our love for water, from winter swims at the YMCA, breath-holding contests, and surfing on his back at Main Beach. He loved to float on his back in the water and relax.

A dedicated family man, Stephen created lasting memories at his mom and dad’s house and cared deeply for his own father especially during his nursing home stays. He loved his family including his brothers, sister, nieces, and nephews. His unwavering support extended beyond physical presence; he called to check on us, to make sure we slept well and to make sure we felt better after being sick. He never missed a birthday celebration without singing a heartfelt Happy Birthday message over the phone.

Guiding us through life's adventures, from Algonquin swim team and high school meets with his signature "hurry, hurry, hurry" chant to family camping trips with laughter and screams echoing on water slides, Stephen's dedication shone brightly at every sporting event and activity for his kids and grandkids, regardless of the weather. With his grandkids he had more time to watch and admire their development and have appreciation of their growth.

An avid golfer and a Sunday evening bowler, Stephen shared his passions with grandchildren, teaching them the art of golf and enjoying the simple pleasures of a recliner, a nap, or a good Netflix show. His thoughtful nature and remarkable ability to connect with others were evident in stories. We will miss his chocolate malt-making and unique interests, such as finding joy in courthouse visits to watch court cases.

In addition to the rich tapestry of family life, Steve’s journey through life included a love for travel. He traveled to 46 of the 50 states. He also had a pilgrimage to the Vatican which held a special place in his heart, a testament to his deep faith. Furthermore, his love for golf took him to the storied St Andrews golf course in Scotland, where he shared the greens with lifelong friends. They vacationed with Hage’s, Meredith’s, and King’s to Baraboo, Wisconsin, Mazatlon, Mexico, scuba diving in Florida, and had so many adventures together. We had a cross country trip to California when we were little without a roll of film in the camera but he took many photos of our adventures. He often gave his daughters advice about driving and worried about us when we traveled out of the country. We had strict instructions when traveling, he would always recite the same explanation about if we had trouble to go to the American embassy, and if we couldn’t find the American Embassy to go to the British Embassy.

Stephen's commitment to family knew no bounds, as he drove miles to Iowa, constantly tracked our whereabouts on Life 360, and showed up faithfully for every life event. His love extended even to our furry companions, Dizzy, Oreo, Bailey, Laine (St Louis Street Walker), Kelsie, Splash, Mittens, Oliver, Tulip, Henry, Cinnamon, Duke, Nakala, Skipper, Cody, and Zeke, whom he cared for with the same devotion and attention, going so far as to rescue Julie's dogs from a house fire. Bailey always had a special place in his heart after she saved his life and always teared up when telling the story. He loved volunteering for hospitals, nursing homes, and the courthouse with the help of Splash (“a certified therapy dog”) to provide support and comfort to those who needed it most. He worked with CASA as a child advocate to support children so their perspective is heard in court.

He was a traveling salesman. One example of his dedication to his family was when a semi tire completely smashed the car and knocked out all the windows of the car in the middle of winter. He drove home by sticking the Tribune newspapers in his coat and drinking a cup of coffee to stay warm just to be with his family. He did always say the GPS was the greatest invention. He was a pump salesman but retirement was his favorite job!

Steve could talk to anyone and make conversation. His daughters and wife were often wondering where the conversation was going. But he loved to discuss the Chicago Bears. He was a good conversationalist. He wanted everyone to sit in the “parlor” at their house, the “parlor” being their living room. He was certainly a charismatic man. He was a passionate republican that liked to debate issues he felt strongly about. He also loved history and often read books to learn more about it. He wasn’t handy but he was always willing to help lend a hand and support the cause.

As we gather to celebrate his life on December 10th and 11th, let us remember Stephen, the man who brought laughter, support, and a true sense of family into our lives. A devoted Catholic, he never missed a mass, dedicating his time to adoration and involvement in church small groups. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you honor Stephen's memory with a donation to CASA of McHenry County or Pet Partners.

May Stephen John Baker rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the boundless love he so generously shared.