Francis Anthony Baker's Obituary
Mr. Francis Anthony “Frank” Baker, age 96, the last living member of a well-known Muskegon family, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, July 9, 2017. He was born on June 9, 1921 in Muskegon, Michigan to Gerard and Johanna (Bowhuis) Baker. He was the valedictorian of the 1938 graduating class at St. Joseph High School, and continued his education at Aquinas College. Frank served in the United States Army during WWII, serving two and a half years overseas in the European Theatre Headquarters in London and Paris, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He was a longtime member of the Catholic War Veterans Post #843. He was employed by the Michigan Employment Security Commission for 37 years; he retired as manager of the Muskegon office. Frank was also a part-time sports and news reporter for the Grand Rapids Herald and later the Detroit Free Press. He served on the Board of Directors for Muskegon St. Joseph Federal Credit Union for over 60 years, including 50 plus years as Treasurer and Manager. Frank served as a member of the Muskegon County Veterans Trust Fund for 20 years; 15 years as chairperson. He was also the Muskegon State Employees Representative for United Way for many years, charter member of the Board of Directors for Community Action Against Poverty, and dedicated years on the Board of Directors of the Greater Muskegon Urban League. With the cooperation of Muskegon Public Schools, he originated the plan for a Muskegon Area Skill Training Center and served on its board for many years. Frank was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church until its closing in 2001. He served as a parish council member, lector, Eucharistic minister, usher, altar server at funerals, the Cursillo Movement and Holy Name Society. Frank was presently a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and a former Eucharistic minister at hospitals, nursing homes, and home visits. Frank married the former Madeline Endres in 1946, and she preceded him in death in 1965. He then married the former Caroline Schnitzler in 1975 and she preceded him in death in 2003. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Monsignor Raymond H. Baker, Henry Baker and Joseph Baker; two sisters, Catherine Hopka and Sister Marie Raymond Baker; two stepsons, Thomas Baker and Joseph Baker and son-in-law, Phil Fleissner. He is survived by four daughters, Jean (James) Mastee of Spring Lake, Margaret (Allan) Kramer of Grand Haven, Catherine Fleissner of Chattanooga, TN and Mary (Jason) Kleinsorge of Norton Shores; one son, James (Teresa) Baker of Twin Lake; one step-daughter, Mary Chick of Norton Shores; 22 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, July 13, 2017 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Charles D. Hall presiding. VISITATION will be from 5-8 PM Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100 with the ROSARY prayed at 5:00 PM. Visitation will also be one hour prior to his Mass at church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation or St. Michael’s Divine Mercy Chapel.
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