Claire John Baker

Claire John Baker, 90, of Dixon, died Thursday, November 15, 2012, at Dixon Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Dixon. Claire worked as truck driver for Turner Trucking and for Priebe and Sons for several years, and also worked on the farm with his brother Rodney for 10 years. He then worked as a custodian at Jefferson School and St. Anne’s Catholic School, retiring in 1987.

Claire was born August 31, 1922, in Astoria, IL, the son of Claire C. and Myrna (Gruber) Baker. He married Helen Marie Taylor on July 1, 1950, in Dixon. She preceded him in death on September 30, 1995. Claire served in the United States Army during W.W. II in 95th infantry. He attended Dixon Church of the Brethren, and was a member of AARP, the Lee County Council on Aging, Inc., and AFSCME. He enjoyed traveling with his family, taking frequent mini vacations to surrounding Midwestern states.

Survivors include three daughters, Janice Baker of Phoenix, AZ, Debra Baker of Dixon, Julie (the late Tom) Schlegel of Naperville; one brother, Larry (Inga) Baker of Indiana; one sister, Louise Brechon of Rockford; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

Claire was also preceded in death by one daughter, Kathy Hereford; two brothers, Gene and Rodney Baker; and one sister, June Shaffer.

Visitation will be from 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at Dixon Church of the Brethren followed by an 11:30 a.m. funeral service, at the church. Burial with full military graveside services provided by the combined veterans organizations will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon.

A memorial has been established to Veterans Memorial Park.