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Daniel Baker

July 31, 1954 - April 7, 2012
De Pere, Wisconsin

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“Dear Baker family, I was the West De Pere track coach for 11 years.(1980-1990) I remember first meeting Dan and I couldn't believe he had just...Read More » ”
1 of 57 | Posted by: Mary Buchholz - Green Bay, WI

“I graduated De Pere High in 1987. I was in Mr. Baker's business class. He was always so positive and I wanted to do my best in his class and I did....Read More » ”
2 of 57 | Posted by: Jim Plouff - De Pere, WI

“Baker family, My deepest condolences to you and your family at this hard time. You are in my prayers each and every day that you gain the...Read More » ”
3 of 57 | Posted by: Olivia Derricks - De Pere, WI

“Jill and family; Very sorry to hear of the passing of Dan. My wife and I were shocked to see this on the local TV news. Dan was a great guy. I...Read More » ”
4 of 57 | Posted by: Mark Finco - Sobieski, WI

“Dearest Jill and family of Dan, Michelina and I are very sorry for the loss of Dan from your lives. I did not know Dan well, but he was always very...Read More » ”
5 of 57 | Posted by: Roger Dier - Oshkosh, WI

“Mr. Baker will forever hold a special place in our hearts. His vibrant, caring nature will live on in all who knew him. Our deepest sympathies to...Read More » ”
6 of 57 | Posted by: Dan & Jeanne McKenna - Carmel, IN

“Coach Baker was a wonderful, caring, and encouraging man. The first time I spoke with him was at a track meet to see my grandson Austin run. Right...Read More » ”
7 of 57 | Posted by: Suzanne Collins - Green Bay, WI

“Our condolences to the entire Baker family. Our family has been so blessed to have known Dan as a great teacher, coach and friend. We will miss his...Read More » ”
8 of 57 | Posted by: Mike, Darlene, Stephanie, Kimberly, and Jennifer Smits - WI

“Mr. Baker, you are truly an amazing man. Your smile, laugh and voice always lit up the room. You had the most upbeat personality and always had a...Read More » ”
9 of 57 | Posted by: Nicole (Capelle) Kempen - De Pere, WI

“Rest in Peace. I will miss you. Amy Smith ”
10 of 57 | Posted by: Amy Smith - Westerville, OH

“Dan Baker was a great teacher and coach and even a better man. He will be missed by many. ”
11 of 57 | Posted by: Patrick Ferron - De Pere, WI

“Bob spent may hours with Dan when they were kids in Ironwood; we were all part of the crazy class of '72 at LL Wright. What an amazing life he lived,...Read More » ”
12 of 57 | Posted by: Bob & Deb Carlson - Appleton, WI

“Mr. Baker will never be forgotten in my mind. He was a wonderful teacher and coach. His smile was contagious. My thoughts and prayers are with you...Read More » ”
13 of 57 | Posted by: Sarah Patrickus (Freischmidt) - WI

“My condolences to the entire Baker family and the DePere community. What a great and inspiring man Mr. Baker was! ”
14 of 57 | Posted by: Jennifer (Herber) frank - MN

“Was very sad to hear today of the passing of Coach Baker. Between 5 seasons as a track and cross country coach, 4 as a teacher and 3 as a DECA...Read More » ”
15 of 57 | Posted by: Dan Stein - Los Angeles, CA

“Jill, Kevin and Hilary my thoughts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. Dan was a great person with a big Heart who always had a smile...Read More » ”
16 of 57 | Posted by: Scott Randall - Appleton, WI

“Jill, Hilary, Kevin & family, I am so sorry to hear about Dan's passing. Remember that all of us are here for you. Remember, too, that Dan's light...Read More » ”
17 of 57 | Posted by: Lori Kaye Lodes - De Pere, WI

“We wished we could be at the funeral today but are out of town with the family for spring break. We are thinking about you all today, and so sorry...Read More » ”
18 of 57 | Posted by: Paul and Jill Roup - De Pere, WI

“Jill, It was such a pleasure meeting you and Dan in Italy. Thank you for letting us get to know you both. We are so sorry for your loss. Dan was a...Read More » ”
19 of 57 | Posted by: Chris and Carolyn Christie - MI

“Dear Jill and family i'm so sorry for your lost and our deepest condolence are sent your way wish we could be there for you but please know our...Read More » ”
20 of 57 | Posted by: Tammy Aldridge - Euharlee, GA

“I am sorry for the loss of Mr. Baker. He was one of my teachers in high school and I remember that everyone wanted to have him as one of their...Read More » ”
21 of 57 | Posted by: Kim (Van Gheem) Keever - Phoenix, AZ

“To Dan's Family- When my husband was dying Dan would always greet me with a smile at work and tell me it was going to be okay. Now for him I say to...Read More » ”
22 of 57 | Posted by: Weeya Smith - Green Bay, WI

“My deepest sympathy to your family. Coach Baker was one of a kind. His love for coaching showed many times with me when running into him at track...Read More » ”
23 of 57 | Posted by: Meredith (Wilmet) Baciak - WI

“Jill, Pam & I wanted to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family w/Dan's passing. We have been incredibly inspired by they way you, Dan...Read More » ”
24 of 57 | Posted by: Pat & Pam Byrne - DePere,, WI

“I am so blessed to have known Mr. Baker. He will surly never be forgotten and I can only imagine the number of people that will be at the visitations...Read More » ”
25 of 57 | Posted by: Haley Fehling - De Pere, WI

“To the Baker family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a great role model Mr. Baker was to his students. A smile,laugh and eagerness to...Read More » ”
26 of 57 | Posted by: Andy & Anne Franken - Madison, WI

“Mr. Baker, you were not only a great teacher and coach but also a truly wonderful man! Teachers like you are always remembered; men like you are...Read More » ”
27 of 57 | Posted by: Amber Golden - De Pere, WI

“We love u Mr.Baker. You were an Awesome teacher, friend an coach i am greatful to have met you. ”
28 of 57 | Posted by: Pavel Drevenchuk - Luxemburg, WI

“My thoughts and prays are with all of you. ”
29 of 57 | Posted by: Megan Larsen (Freischmidt) - WI

“We would like to extend our sympathy to your family on the loss of your husband and father. We never met you but heard so much about your family...Read More » ”
30 of 57 | Posted by: Jeanne and Larry Schmitz - MN

“It was an honor have been able to have Mr. Baker as one of my teachers when I was in high school. He had such a positive impact on so many lives. ...Read More » ”
31 of 57 | Posted by: Amanda (Costello) Derenne - WI

“Mr. Baker was the best teacher and friend anyone could ask for Julie Halstead ”
32 of 57 | Posted by: Julie Halstead - Indianapolis, IN

“Very sorry to hear the news. Our condolences to the Baker family. Mark and Denise Stephens ”
33 of 57 | Posted by: Mark Stephens - Bessemer, MI

“Coach Baker, thanks for all that you did for me. You are trully an inspiration to us all. YÓu will be missed by us all. I want to thank you...Read More » ”
34 of 57 | Posted by: Sarah Tomac - Appleton, WI

“Dear Jill and family, Sorry for your loss, from watching the special on the renaming of the track Dan was sure loved by everyone the one thing I will...Read More » ”
35 of 57 | Posted by: Sharon (Baker) Dan Ofstad - WI

“Jill and Family, We were so happy to hear that the track in De Pere was dedicated to Dan. What a wonderful memorial. Danny was loved by many,...Read More » ”
36 of 57 | Posted by: Jean (Piasecki) Nasi - Hurley, WI

“Dan May God bless you and your family . Guy Fleming 1972 L.L.Wright H.S. Ironwood...Read More » ”
37 of 57 | Posted by: Guy Fleming - Gile, WI

“Hey Bakes I just wanted to thank you again for all the advice you gave me back in highschool. You would be happy to know I used all of you marketing...Read More » ”
38 of 57 | Posted by: brittany drennen - depere, WI

“I am Danny's long lost cousin. My parents moved us out to Utah in 1965. I did not get to see Danny very much. We lived in Ironwood for a bit and I...Read More » ”
39 of 57 | Posted by: Greg Jacquart - Sigurd, UT

“Thank you, Dan, for teaching us all how to live, give, and love. You taught us this not only through your life and but also through your death. We...Read More » ”
40 of 57 | Posted by: Kristan (Pokel) Nelson - Darien, WI

“Mr Baker was my Cross Country coach back in '94 and '95. I was never a top runner but that didn't matter to coach Baker. He taught me that what...Read More » ”
41 of 57 | Posted by: Amy (Danen) Olson - Locust Grove, WI

“An extraordinary man who has impacted so many lives. Coach Baker's unfailing positivity is something to be admired and emulated. He will truly be...Read More » ”
42 of 57 | Posted by: Amie Bressers - Madison, WI

“I did not have Mr Baker as a coach, but I did have him as a teacher a long time ago. He was my favorite teacher because he was always happy and it...Read More » ”
43 of 57 | Posted by: Traci Gossen - De Pere, WI

“We are sorry to hear of your loss. Dan will be sadly missed. He was a great inspiration on many. Carol and Ed ”
44 of 57 | Posted by: Carol (Baker) and Ed Alonen - WI

“Dear Kevin -- your dad was awesome. I loved that he made Marketing 101 fun; I loved that he led DECA; and I loved that I ran into him and Mr. Boyd on...Read More » ”
45 of 57 | Posted by: Melissa Sandgren (Missy) - MA

“He was an amazing teacher and coach. He'll be missed by many and now the angel watching over so many. You are at peace and with our Lord. My...Read More » ”
46 of 57 | Posted by: Tammy Vander Loop Longlais - WI

“Coach Baker, Thank you for being apart of my life and like a second dad to me. You imprinted my heart with blessings and I will forever be Greatful....Read More » ”
47 of 57 | Posted by: Danielle Partain - WI

“Words cannot describe the positive impact Mr. Baker had on many, many lives. I for one would have never ran cross country if it wasn't for him, and...Read More » ”
48 of 57 | Posted by: Jenna Treml - Madison, WI

“My most sincere condolences go out to Mr. Baker's family. Although I was not in any of his classes he always treated me and everyone else with...Read More » ”
49 of 57 | Posted by: Samuel R. Cloud - Waukesha, WI

“Whether you knew him or not, Coach Baker was and will continue to be a truly inspiring individual. Thank you Baker family for sharing with us...Read More » ”
50 of 57 | Posted by: Nick Vertz - Beaver Dam, WI

“Thanks for everything Mr. Baker. You were a wonderful man and will be missed. ”
51 of 57 | Posted by: Aaron Kempen - De Pere, WI

“Thank you to Baker for sharing his gifts with so many including myself. His spirit and love were felt by all. He truly lived a life of celebration....Read More » ”
52 of 57 | Posted by: Amy Rettler - Madison, WI

“Dear Jill, Kevin and Hilary and your families. I would like to send my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers. Dan was a super Husband, Father,...Read More » ”
53 of 57 | Posted by: Linda Smits/Stoffel - WI

“Dan Baker was an amazing coach, and a positive leader. I cannot think of him without seeing the smile on his face! He took a genuine interest in all...Read More » ”
54 of 57 | Posted by: Julie (Stephenson) Doney - CO

“Dan was a wonderful person. We will miss his friendship, humor, and smile and always remember his upbeat outlook on life. We have been through a...Read More » ”
55 of 57 | Posted by: John Zupanc Deb Vercauteren - WI

“Dear Jill and family - we are so sorry for the loss of your precious husband, father and grandfather. Dan's legacy of encouragement, optimism and ...Read More » ”
56 of 57 | Posted by: John and Peggy Simonis - De Pere, WI

“My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. As a fellow DECA advisor, I enjoyed the state conference every year...Read More » ”
57 of 57 | Posted by: Sue Reukauf (Dodgeville DECA) - WI

Click HERE to view Dan Baker's Funeral Mass online. The service will be delay-broadcasted and can be viewed anytime after 2pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. Daniel James Baker (Dan), 57 of De Pere, died on Holy Saturday afternoon, April 7, 2012 at his home. He fought a courageous battle against cancer and was surrounded by his loving family and friends until the end. The son of James and Audrey (Saari) Baker was born July 31, 1954 in Ironwood, Mich. Dan was a graduate of Ironwood High School and Ferris State College, Big Rapids, Mich. He married Jill Skaja on July 24, 1976 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood. Dan and Jill moved to Green Bay in 1977 from Woodstock, Ill. where Dan taught and coached for one year, He taught at Green Bay West and Southwest for two years before he began a long and illustrious career in teaching and coaching athletics for De Pere High School where he remained until his retirement in 2011. Dan coached football for a few years, but his true passion had always been Cross Country and Track & Field. His license plate even read "TRK CC." Dan was more than an average coach. He instilled a concept of pride and self-worth into every kid he coached, regardless of their ability, and brought out the best in everyone—students and fellow coaches alike. "All It Takes is All You've Got" will forever be his legacy. His charisma, positive attitude, and infectious optimism were the guideposts by which he lived, taught, and coached. He was a wonderful husband and an unbelievable father and grandfather. He will be missed so much by all who knew him and loved him. Dan's positive influence on his family, friends, students, athletes, and the community will never be forgotten and forever appreciated. Over his career, he taught marketing and business classes and was the DECA Advisor at De Pere until he retired. The track at Dad Brashier Field was dedicated in a ceremony on March 30, 2012 as "Dan Baker Track." Dan was a sports enthusiast. He was actively involved in The Christy's Race, which was held in memory of Dan's friend Bjorn Christensen. He was a spectator at every sport at De Pere, always supported the student athletes, and encouraged them to play more than one sport. He truly believed it made them better athletes and students. He loved his granddaughters more than anything, and they were his biggest joy. His face lit up the minute they entered the room. He would enjoy a leisurely round of golf, which usually got the best of him. However, he did participate in an annual "for fun" golf tournament called the Tri-State Open with high school classmates and his best friends. Dan was a Detroit Lions fan and a converted Packers fan. He cheered for the Badgers and the Michigan Wolverines. Dan's family includes his wife, Jill; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Lauren (Higgins) Baker and granddaughters, Lily and Macy - De Pere; daughter and son-in-law Hilary and Ken Baker - Bellevue; mother, Audrey Baker - Ironwood, Mich.; brother and sister-in-law, David and Debbie (McLimans) Baker and their children Matthew Baker, Erin Baker, Tyler McLimans, Brady McLimans, and Danielle McLimans - De Pere; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Tracy (McConville) Baker and their children Becky (Baker) and Eric Boquist, Brooke Baker, and Cody Baker - Mercer, Wis.; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne (Baker) and LeRoy Niemi and their children Laura (Niemi) and Adam Vandenbush, Eric Niemi, Joseph Niemi, and James Niemi - Green Bay; sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn (Baker) and Jeff Bartolameolli and their children Elizabeth Nardi, Jami Nardi, Sophie, and Audrey Barolameolli - De Pere. In addition, Dan will be greatly missed by Jill's family (Skaja's) and a multitude of friends, his fellow teachers, coaches, and students at De Pere High School, and the De Pere Community in general. Family and friends may visit St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Visitation will continue after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church until the time of the service. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. (Wednesday) at the church with Father Richard Getchel & Deacon Kevin DeCleene officiating. RYAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY of De Pere is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Baker family. As we know some people may not be able to make it to Dan's Funeral Mass, we would like to extend this opportunity for you to watch his Mass via the internet. Click HERE to view Dan Baker's Funeral Mass online. The service will be delay-broadcasted and can be viewed anytime after 2pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Dan Baker Track & Cross Country Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Baker Family expresses their deep gratitude to family and friends; Green Bay Oncology — Dr. Ebben, Dr. Mian, Dr. Blank, Nicole Spaeth, and the nursing staff; and Unity Hospice for helping him through his courageous battle. Please come dressed in your favorite Redbird colors.

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Thanks for everything Mr. Baker. You were a wonderful man and will be missed.

Posted by: Aaron Kempen - De Pere, WI Oct 23, 2011

Thank you to Baker for sharing his gifts with so many including myself. His spirit and love were felt by all. He truly lived a life of celebration. My condolences and prayers to the entire Baker family.

Posted by: Amy Rettler - Madison, WI Oct 23, 2011

Dear Jill, Kevin and Hilary and your families. I would like to send my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers. Dan was a super Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Coach and such an inspirational person to all he came in contact with. He will be deeply missed. The community of De Pere and many other communities are mourning his loss. Again my thoughts and prayers are with you all. We Loved Him. Know that you are not alone. Love and Hugs coming your way.

Posted by: Linda Smits/Stoffel - Campbellsport, WI Oct 23, 2011

Dan Baker was an amazing coach, and a positive leader. I cannot think of him without seeing the smile on his face! He took a genuine interest in all of the young lives that he came in contact with. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Posted by: Julie (Stephenson) Doney - Highlands Ranch, CO Oct 23, 2011

Dan was a wonderful person. We will miss his friendship, humor, and smile and always remember his upbeat outlook on life. We have been through a lot of track and cross country meets together: high school, college and Olympic Trials. John Zupanc and Deb Vercauteren retired UW Oshkosh Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches

Posted by: John Zupanc Deb Vercauteren - Omro, WI Oct 23, 2011

Dear Jill and family - we are so sorry for the loss of your precious husband, father and grandfather. Dan's legacy of encouragement, optimism and joy is a gift to each one of us who knew him and we are forever grateful. Unfortunately, we are in S. Carolina this week and unable to attend the celebration of Dan's life. We are grateful to be able to watch the service online. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. God Bless,

Posted by: John and Peggy Simonis - De Pere, WI Oct 23, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. As a fellow DECA advisor, I enjoyed the state conference every year knowing I would always see Dan's smiling face and his infectious positive attitude always brought a smile to those around him. Dan will be greatly missed by all.

Posted by: Sue Reukauf (Dodgeville DECA) - Dodgeville, WI Oct 23, 2011

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