Thomas Baker

Thomas Baker was a man who always saw the glass “half-full” in every aspect of his life; with his family, his friends, and in his faith. He was a positive influence on everyone who was blessed to know him. He was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who worked hard to provide for his family, instill good values in his children and bring joy to his friends.

Born on August 24, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Frank and Lenora (Vissner) Baker, Tom was the youngest of four children. Tom belonged to what has been called the “Greatest Generation.” Their strong work ethic and patriotism was formed by the Depression years and the need of war time sacrifice. Tom grew up in Marne, living the life of a true outdoorsman. Playing ball, fishing and splashing in their favorite swim hole is where Tom and his friends spent every possible minute during the summer months. Tom loved his childhood and he enjoyed going to school, especially for the camaraderie and fun times with his friends. He had a chance to play on Berlin High School’s first baseball team as a senior. His sense of humor was also becoming apparent at that time. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he touted himself as the “smartest of the four dumbest in the class”!

After graduating from high school, Tom continued working for his Dad, something that he had started toward the end of his school years. It was through his Dad that Tom learned the importance of family and working hard. Tom was a natural in the vocation of building, and it became his passion. Starting out with a book that he studied from cover to cover, Tom bought a trowel and a wheelbarrow and went to work laying bricks.

Tom’s burgeoning career was put on hold when he was drafted into service during the Korean War. He served for two years; fifteen months were actually spent in Korea. While Tom was happy to do his part for his country, he also took his sense of humor and love of fun along with him. He put his card-playing skill to good use by setting up poker games that separated the officers from their money. The next night the officers would do it all over again to win back what they had lost, making sure that Tom was free from patrol duty! Tom enjoyed his military experience and thought it was something everyone should do.

With only one week’s rest from his tour-of-duty, Tom was introduced to his friend’s cousin, Rose Piccard. Rose was no ordinary person, as Tom soon discovered. As for Rose, she soon discovered what kind of person Tom was. She found him to be kind, thoughtful, and hard working, all the qualities that make a wonderful spouse. Tom asked for Rose’s hand in marriage, and they said their vows eleven months later on May 1, 1954. They started raising their four children: Don, Denise, Dale and Karen and moved into a new home, first fixing up the barn where they lived for three months before finishing up the rest of the house. Tom was a wonderful father, instilling values in his children the way his father had instilled values in him. He shared his love of the outdoors with them, teaching them how to play golf, how to swim, and how to play ball, even including the neighborhood kids in the ball games. Tom and Rose tried to vacation at least once a year. After building a camper on the back of their truck, Tom and Rose packed up the kids and rented a cottage or headed out West.

When Tom came back from the war, he picked up where he left off in brickwork. He started his own business calling it Tom Baker Bricklayers. Tom’s company was a part of him. His work was more than a job or career; it was a passion that he was rightfully proud of. Over the years it was difficult to travel without seeing his handiwork in buildings along the way. Later, his oldest son joined him in the business, eventually taking over the business from his father. Even then, Tom liked to stop by when he knew his help would be needed. He truly loved his work.

After his retirement, Tom had more time for golf. Golf was another lifelong passion that he was good at. Tom held himself to high standards and was determined to do his best. He was proud of the fact that he had two holes in one! He played many rounds of golf at Gracewill Golf Course and at the Elks where he had been a member for twenty-nine years. Tom had a special group of golf friends that became close over the years, playing many Sunday afternoon rounds together.

Also after retirement, Tom and Rose had a chance to travel. He and Rose wintered in Florida for several years making special memories and many friends everywhere they went. Tom enjoyed being with people, making them laugh, joking around, and telling stories. People in turn wanted to be around Tom. He made people feel good about themselves and about life. Whether it was at work, on the golf course, or on vacation, Tom drew people to him.

Tom spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren, too. He taught them how to play cards, golf and swim, just as he had taught his children. Tom loved being a grandfather and went to as many of his grandchildren’s activities as he could.

Tom’s faith was an important part of his life as well as his work and his family. He faithfully attended Trinity Congregational Church where he was a member for fifty-five years. He not only supported the church, but lived his faith as well. His faith radiated from him. Even after Tom was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, he still remained positive and upbeat. His last three months were difficult, but instead of feeling sorry for himself he spent the time reflecting on what a good life he had been blessed with. He was an inspiration to those around him, always the man who saw the glass half full.

Tom Baker was a man who was devoted to his family and friends and God. His qualities of humor, encouragement and hard work were evident throughout his life. He provided for his family, supported his church and was a source of joy to his friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Thomas F. Baker,of Alpine Township, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 21, 2008. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Mark DeWys, brothers-in-law Edward Flinski and Louis Cordes. Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rose; their children Don and Karen Baker, Denise and Bruce Gilbert, Dale and Fay Baker, Karen and Greg Busse; grandchildren Sarah, Ashley, Adam and Kate Baker, Paul, Ben and Lauren DeWys, Tessa and Jared Higgins, Annie and Sean Kelsay, Michelle, Leah, Kyle and Ryan Busse; great grandchildren Rishona Higgins and Ally Kelsy; siblings Mary Flinski, Joy Lautenschleger, Ed and Sheila Baker; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Howard and Kathy Piccard and Carol Cordes and many nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Sunday, May 25 at 4 PM at Trinity Congregational Church, 2725 4 Mile Road NW. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW on Friday from 7-9 PM and on Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Trinity Congregational Church or Faith Hospice. To read more about Tom’s life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.