Claire John Baker

Claire worked as a truck driver for Turner Trucking and for Priebe and Sons for several years and also worked on the farm with his brother, Rodney, for 10 years. He then worked as a custodian at Jefferson School and St. Anne’s Catholic School, retiring in 1987.

Claire was born Aug. 31, 1922, in Astoria, the son of Claire C. and Myrna (Gruber) Baker. He married Helen Marie Taylor on July 1, 1950, in Dixon. She preceded him in death on Sept. 30, 1995.

Claire served in the United States Army during World War II in the 95th infantry. He attended Dixon Church of the Brethren and was a member of AARP, the Lee County Council on Aging Inc., and AFSCME. He enjoyed traveling with his family, taking frequent mini vacations to surrounding Midwestern states.

Survivors include three daughters, Janice Baker of Phoenix, Debra Baker of Dixon, and Julie (the late Tom) Schlegel of Naperville; one brother, Larry (Inga) Baker of Indiana; one sister, Louise Brechon of Rockford; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Claire also was preceded in death by one daughter, Kathy Hereford; two brothers, Gene and Rodney Baker; and one sister, June Shaffer.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Dixon Church of the Brethren, followed by the funeral at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Burial with full military graveside services provided by the combined veterans organizations will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.

A memorial has been established to Veterans Memorial Park.

Visit www.prestonschillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.