Donald W. Baker, 96, of Chebanse passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on February 6, 1930 in Charlotte, Illinois, a son of Wilbur and Bernice (Bitner) Baker. Donald married Rita Nordmeyer on June 5, 1954 in Chebanse and she preceded him in death on January 3, 2022. Don was a very loving husband to his wife, Rita, and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage.
Don is survived by two daughters, Cathy (Michael) Schlesinger of Riverwoods and Carol (Edward) Hansen of Palatine; two sons, Mark Baker of Jacksonville, FL and Steven Baker of Chebanse; five grandchildren, Jonathan (Bridget) Schlesinger of Glenview, Lauren (fiancé, Andrew Aube) Schlesinger of Northbrook, Dr. Rebecca (Dayna) Schlesinger of Champaign, Matthew Hansen of Chicago and Ryan Hansen of Chicago; two great-grandchildren, Henry and Adeline “Addy” Schlesinger of Glenview; one brother, Gerald Baker; one sister-in-law, Sandy Nordmeyer; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, Don was preceded in death by both of his parents; one brother, Edwin Baker; two sisters, Irene Schultz and Anna Mae Sherwood; and one daughter-in-law, Charlotte Blackwood-Baker.
Don was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, where he had served as a former elder and on the building committee. He worked for Armour Pharmaceutical for 42 years. He ended his career as a Quality Assurance Supervisor. Don was the Otto Township Clerk for many years. Don was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He took pride in gardening and loved the Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Pastor Eric Brown officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Organ Fund, Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or Trinity Lutheran Food Pantry in Jacksonville, Florida.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.
Please share a memory of Don at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
