Marilyn J. Baker, 85, Normal, died at 8:03 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2012) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. James Reents officiating. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made to the church.
She was born in May 13, 1926, in Rockford, a daughter of Ralph W. Breneman and Emma Lofgren. She married Dwight Baker on Aug. 27, 1949, in Durand. He survives.
Also surviving are two children, Jenna Baker Wexler, Ellicott City, Md., and James (Becky Baker) Baker, Bloomington; three grandchildren, Mitchell (Gwenola LeBihan-Baker) Baker, Milwaukee, Wis.; Barbara Baker, Lexington, Ky.; and Noah Wexler, Rochester, N.Y.; her sister, Eunie (Merle) Benning; cousins, Norman (Betty) Carlson, Rockford, and Lillian Nyman; nephew, Richard Benning, Davis; and three grandchildren.
Marilyn Breneman was born and raised in northern Illinois, and married Dwight Baker in 1949. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree. Marilyn taught math in Morrisonville and Longview schools. Later, she went on to teach Spanish in the Heyworth School District.
Throughout her life, she was a devoted homemaker and mother. She loved to bake, was a member of several bridge clubs and was a steadfast 50-year member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the Bloomington-Normal Women’s Club and the Retired Teachers’ Association.
Rest in peace Mrs. Baker.
Jenette Logsdon Schroeder
Heyworth High School – Class of ’76
Our Sympathy Jim and family.
Take Care.
Eastview Drive Friend – Chip, wife Sue
Henrichs
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Baker’s passing. She was always such a good friend and support to me and my family, both at St. John’s and Heyworth High. She was also very proud of her family.
Paul Finger
Alexandia, VA
Mrs. Baker was a great neighborhood mom. I remember the marimba in the basement and the bell ringing when it was time for Jim to come home and eat. She was always helpful when we had to sell Scoutarama tickets or at Halloween. I know you will miss her, but her legacy will console you. To Mr. Baker, Jim and Janet may you be comforted in your grief by the knowledge of her love poured out for you all these years.