Daniel Baker

Daniel Baker was a serious professional, a loving family man, and a strong Catholic. He served his church as a lay leader, his country as a Marine and his community through the construction trade. Among his many accomplishments, the faith of his children was most significant as he lived out his own religious commitment from day to day.

Daniel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Frank and Faith (Higgins) Baker on May 28, 1928, at a time when America was moving ahead in industry and transportation. Charles Lindbergh had made his solo flight across the ocean and Henry Ford began mass producing automobiles along an assembly line. Yet the upcoming economic crisis also served to shape the values of a nation that knew what it meant to make sacrifices.

Growing up on the city’s southeast side, the family of six children experienced their own hardship in Daniel’s young life. His mother died when he was about to enter school, and for a short time, Dan lived on the west side and attended Sibley Elementary School. When it became apparent that Dan’s father could not care for his large family on his own, Dan and his three older and two younger siblings went to live at St. John’s Home for children where they attended St. John's School. St. John's offered and gave Dan a firm foundation in the Christian faith that sustained him throughout his life.

Before heading off to high school, Dan moved back with his family on the south side of the city and eventually transfered to Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. He was a good student and managed to work part time at a grocery store, learning to take responsibility that served him well for the future.

After graduating from Catholic Central in 1947, Dan joined the Marine Corps and soon became a Corporal in a supply unit. Though WWII had ended, conflict in the Korean peninsula was heating up near the end of Dan’s service. He was not sent to Korea, but before his term of duty was over, Dan was already looking forward to coming home to a new life and a new love.

While on military leave, Dan had met a young woman at a New Year’s party he attended with fellow servicemen. Though the lovely Virginia had come with another man as her date, she and Dan had the opportunity to share a dance over the course of the evening. It was love at first sight. From that point on, their relationship grew and their commitment was sealed in marriage in 1955. The ceremony took place at St. James Catholic Church, where Virginia and her family were members, and they received the blessing of God on their life together.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Dan began a four year apprenticeship as a construction electrician with Kirkhoff Electric Company in Grand Rapids. Over the years, he became a member of the Electrical Construction Union and received contracts all over western Michigan. Among his larger jobs in Grand Rapids was the construction of the Woodland Mall and some of the final construction on the 36th Street General Motors Plant and the first Steelcase building. Dan and Virginia lived on the south side of the city in Kentwood, and there they chose to raise their family.

The couple welcomed four children into their lives—two girls and two boys. Dan was very close to his family and participated as much as he could in their lives. He was there to watch his daughters on their cheerleading team and to see his boys play sports. Summers were filled with family vacations, often camping at such beautiful Michigan destinations as Paradise Cove in Sand Lake or a park near Silver Lake. Being a skilled carpenter, Dan quite often found plenty to do on his own homes over the years, but the most important structure Dan created for his family was their faith. They became members of Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Kentwood, where Dan was a lay leader serving communion. His commitment and action set an example that his children followed. All of them continued in the faith and made Dan rightfully proud.

When Dan and Virginia celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, a trip to Hawaii was a fitting choice for a couple who shared a beautiful life. Faith, family and honest labor had melded to form an unshakable bond.

In retirement that began in 1990, Dan and Virginia traveled to the west coast and spent some time in Arizona. They liked to go to the local casinos, where Dan became a pretty good gambler. He also liked to fish whenever he could. Back in Michigan, they had more time to spend with grandchildren and, as they had with their children, Dan and Virginia often went to their sporting events. He also made sure he kept current by reading, so that he was well informed about the world around him.

In 1991, Dan suffered a stroke that weakened him, but he made the best of it and had ten really good years following. Later, they moved to a condominium and joined the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in nearby Wyoming. Dan continued to serve the church, because his faith was very important to him.

The past few years became difficult for Dan as he suffered more minor strokes and Virginia became his care giver. In January of 2009, he entered the hospital and was in rehabilitation since that time.

On Monday August 3, 2009, Mr. Daniel (Dan) J. Baker, of Byron Center, passed away at the age of 81.

The faith that sustained Dan, now comforts his beloved family. They include his wife, of 54 years, Virginia; his children: Cheryl and Jeff Trimpe, Danielle and Jeff Havens, Brian and Theresa Baker, Brad and Candy Baker; his grandchildren: Stacey and Chris Quinn, Audrey Trimpe, Wes Trimpe, Matt Havens, Scott Havens, Brett Havens, Amanda Baker, Ashley Baker, Connor Baker, Kaitlyn Baker, Jack Baker, Bevin Baker, Kevin Baker, Maeve Baker; his brother and sister-in-law Patrick and Dorothy Baker; his sister Helen Sterns and nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 11 AM at St. John Vianny Catholic Church. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Mr. Baker reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, where relatives and friends may meet his family Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, and where a Rosary Service will be held Wednesday at 7 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated. To share a memory of Dan or to sign the online register book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com