Bernard Edwin Baker

Bernard Edwin Baker was born to George and Lena (Bakker) Baker on March 18, 1932 in Edgerton, Minnesota, where he was also raised. He attended Edgerton Christian School and graduated from Edgerton Public High School. In the army, he served his country from 1952-1954 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fairbanks, Alaska. On August 30, 1956, he married Gertrude Sybesma. Bernard farmed with his father for 13 years, then Bernard and Gert moved to the family farm, living on the home place for the next 45 years. They moved to the city of Edgerton in 2001, but Bernard stayed involved in farm operations as the chief parts runner and tractor operator. He was a faithful member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton where he served on the council. As a farmer and citizen, Bernard was involved in several advisory and governing boards: Sioux Valley Electric, Soil Conservation, Edgerton Elevator, and Edgebrook Care Center. Bernard put his mechanical skills to work among the membership of local organizations, such as the American Legion and the Hope Haven Wheelchair refurbishment ministry. He and Gert also chose to volunteer at various locations around the country with disaster relief through Christian Reformed World Renew. Being retired from full-time farming also allowed him to function for several years as the emergency maintenance contact at Edgebrook. He was gratefully blessed with 65 years of marriage to his wife, Gert. Those left to cherish his memories along with Gert include his four children: Glenn Baker of Edgerton, Darla (Colin) Feikema of Leota, Janet (John) Stellingwerf of Fort Collins, CO; and Julie (Thomas) Van Soelen of Lawrenceville, GA. Next generations include eight grandchildren and spouses: Brandon Baker, Rita Feikema and Gerard Van Halsema, Phillip and Katie Feikema, Benjamin Feikema, Jeffrey Stellingwerf, Jennifer Stellingwerf, Addison Van Soelen, and Sullivan Van Soelen, as well as four great grandchildren: Susan, Veronica, and Elizabeth Van Halsema; and Colin Ray Feikema. Preceding Bernard in death were his parents, infant twin daughters, and a daughter-in-law, Janna Baker. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a wheelchair refurbishment ministry through Hope Haven International, attn. Al Hoogland, 721 160th Ave. Edgerton, 56128