Thomas Norman Baker, 85, of Gunder, Iowa died Friday, March 6, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. Thomas was born August 17, 1934 to Albert L. and Audrey (Jacobs) Baker in Des Plaines, Illinois. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Des Plaines and attended two years at Layola Academy.
Thomas was united in marriage with Barbara Jarm on August 18, 1956 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Des Plaines, Illinois. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 as a Radio Operator, serving in Puerto Rico. Thomas started as an installer for Illinois Bell/AT&T and eventually became a Foreman and Wire Chief. He retired from working in Barrington, Illinois in December of 1992. Thomas was a member of the Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa and a life time member of NRA. He helped gather and compile information for the Gunder History Book. Thomas enjoyed hunting, woodworking, gardening and working around the farm. Thomas remained very active and even helped Barb can the food they grew. He loved goose hunting in Northern Manitoba, Canada with his father, brother and son.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Baker of Gunder, Iowa; his three children, Kathleen (Kenneth) Butzen of Minong, Wisconsin, Mark (Nora Short) Baker of Dayton, Minnesota and Michael (Stephanie) Baker of Trophy Club, Texas; five grandchildren, Nicole Fisher (Mitch), Matthew (Bethany) Butzen, Lauren Reagan (Scott), Robbie Slay and Stephanie Baker (Jake Miller); and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding Thomas in death were his son, Keith Baker; parents, Albert and Audrey Baker; and one brother, William Baker.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa with Reverend Marshall Hahn as the Officiant.
There will be a visitation one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Burial with Military Rites will follow at Marion Lutheran Cemetery, Gunder, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Thomas may be sent to American Diabetes Association or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.