Joan M. Baker
1932-2021
Joan M. Baker, age 89, of Dorchester, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at The Waterford in Colby under the tender care of Aspirus Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. Father Timothy Oudenhoven officiated. Interment followed at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends were welcomed on Monday, Dec. 6 from 3 until 6 p.m. at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford with a Rosary Service at 3 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at the church. Family and friends can watch the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Those in attendance were encouraged to abide by the Covid-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing.
Joan was born on Aug. 8, 1932, the daughter of Joseph and Hattie (Boxrucker) Hennlich in Medford. She graduated from Dorchester High School in 1951 and received a teaching degree from Taylor County Normal in Medford. Joan was united in marriage to Gerald Baker on July 14, 1953 at St. Louis Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on Apr. 29, 1991.
Joan taught at a one room school for a few years before teaching at St. Louis Catholic School in Dorchester. She then worked for the post office becoming the Post Master at the Dorchester office for over 25 years.
Joan was an active member of St. Louis including the PCCW. She also served on the Dorchester library board and Dorchester Historical Society, was a member of the Dorchester Days Committee for over 50 years and member of Lioness Club. Joan was well known for her cooking, especially chocolate chip cookies and award winning potato salad. She also cooked for the Lions club and made food for Dorchester Days. She enjoyed camping, golfing, watching the Brewers, walking and made sure her lawn looked meticulous. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family.
Joan is survived by her three sons, Tom of Dorchester, Tim (Paula) of Dorchester and Kurt (Tina) of Brookfield; 11 grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Hibberd of St. Louis, Mo., Megan Baker of Milwaukee, Jared Baker of Merrill, Betsy (Dallas) Swanson of Abbotsford, Breanna Baker of St. Louis, Mo., Jerry Baker of Owen, Wesley, Joey, Christian Baker all of Dorchester, Dillon and Ella Baker of Brookfield; six greatgrandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Mary (Dennis) Baumgartner of Colby. She is further survived by her sister, Janice (Conrad) Diesing of Menomonee Falls; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald; two sons, Terry and Todd; two brothers, James and William and her sister, Dorothy Forsyth.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
Paid Obituary 114175
