Fredrick Wilson "Doc" Baker passed away Sunday, July 16, 2006, at the age of 88 at the New Glarus Nursing Home in New Glarus, Wisconsin. He was born on December 13, 1917, in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, to Dwight E. and Doris Parkinson Baker, the second of five children.
Doc graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1935, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison between 1935 and 1940, while operating his own construction business to finance his education. He participated in track and baseball at the University.
In 1940 he was admitted to the Texas A & M School of Veterinary Medicine, from which he graduated with honors. He was offered an assistant professorship in histology at the time of his graduation. He was proud to have participated in the United States Calvary before it was disbanded early in World War II. In 1943 he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain. In 1946 he returned to his hometown of Blanchardville, Wisconsin, and began his practice of veterinary medicine, which he continued for 32 years. His practice was primarily with dairy cattle.
He served as a Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, on the Blanchardville School Board, on the Blanchardville City Council, and was a commissioner of the Home Talent Baseball League, a league of approximately thirty baseball teams from small communities around Madison. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the Wisconsin Veterinary Association, the American Legion, and the Blackfoot, Idaho, Elks Lodge #1416.
Doc was actively involved much of his adult life in improvements to the facilities at McKeller Memorial Park in Blanchardville, including the preservation, planning, financing and construction of baseball fields, shelter houses, swimming pool, public restrooms, and recreational vehicle areas. He gave freely of his time and considerable talents in improving the school and community facilities.
Doc married Isabel McDowell September 1, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. They raised five children, Dwight (Ali) of Blackfoot, Idaho; Jim (Diane) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Bruce (Karen) of Blanchardville, Wisconsin; Beth of Anchorage, Alaska; and Robert (Lori) of Gilbert, Arizona. Isabel predeceased Doc on April 2, 1981, at which time Doc retired and moved to Victor, Idaho, where he built a cabin in which he resided. He married Shirley Parsons of Blackfoot, Idaho, on October 9, 1982. Shirley and Doc resided on the Parsons' Ranch on Trail Creek north of Mackay, Idaho, during the summer, and in Wickenburg, Arizona, during the winter.
Doc was an ardent supporter of education, athletics and young people. An avid letter writer, he often sent notes of encouragement to young people starting their education, their marriage or their families, as well as maintaining written communication to his many pen pals. He was inquisitive by nature, always willing to accept a challenging practical problem. He personally built homes, cabins, barns, and sheds in addition to handcrafted items. He was a carpenter, a contractor, a mechanic, an electrician, a plumber and a general handyman, in addition to his many years of services as an accomplished large animal veterinarian. He was a hunter, fisherman and storyteller. He loved people, but also enjoyed working alone. He believed in the Protestant work ethic, insisting well into his 80's that a man ought to break a sweat at least once a day to remain healthy.
Doc was predeceased by his parents, a sister in childbirth, his brother Homer and his first wife Isabel. He is survived by his wife Shirley, five children, nine grandchildren, and twelve greatgrandchildren; four stepchildren, Marilyn (Jerry) Petersen, of Blackfoot, Idaho; Richard (Sheila Bronson) Parsons, of Blackfoot and Pocatello, William Terry (Karla) Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Pat Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho, eight step-grandchildren, and twelve step-greatgrandchildren.
His children want to acknowledge Shirley's love, care and support through Dad's final difficult years, without which we would have lost him many years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Blanchardville Methodist Church in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the family plot at the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Arrangements are being handled by the Saether Funeral Home, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations to the McKeller Memorial Park, c/o Bruce Baker, PO Box 187, Blanchardville, Wisconsin 53516, will be most appreciated.
Doc graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1935, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison between 1935 and 1940, while operating his own construction business to finance his education. He participated in track and baseball at the University.
In 1940 he was admitted to the Texas A & M School of Veterinary Medicine, from which he graduated with honors. He was offered an assistant professorship in histology at the time of his graduation. He was proud to have participated in the United States Calvary before it was disbanded early in World War II. In 1943 he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain. In 1946 he returned to his hometown of Blanchardville, Wisconsin, and began his practice of veterinary medicine, which he continued for 32 years. His practice was primarily with dairy cattle.
He served as a Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, on the Blanchardville School Board, on the Blanchardville City Council, and was a commissioner of the Home Talent Baseball League, a league of approximately thirty baseball teams from small communities around Madison. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the Wisconsin Veterinary Association, the American Legion, and the Blackfoot, Idaho, Elks Lodge #1416.
Doc was actively involved much of his adult life in improvements to the facilities at McKeller Memorial Park in Blanchardville, including the preservation, planning, financing and construction of baseball fields, shelter houses, swimming pool, public restrooms, and recreational vehicle areas. He gave freely of his time and considerable talents in improving the school and community facilities.
Doc married Isabel McDowell September 1, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. They raised five children, Dwight (Ali) of Blackfoot, Idaho; Jim (Diane) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Bruce (Karen) of Blanchardville, Wisconsin; Beth of Anchorage, Alaska; and Robert (Lori) of Gilbert, Arizona. Isabel predeceased Doc on April 2, 1981, at which time Doc retired and moved to Victor, Idaho, where he built a cabin in which he resided. He married Shirley Parsons of Blackfoot, Idaho, on October 9, 1982. Shirley and Doc resided on the Parsons' Ranch on Trail Creek north of Mackay, Idaho, during the summer, and in Wickenburg, Arizona, during the winter.
Doc was an ardent supporter of education, athletics and young people. An avid letter writer, he often sent notes of encouragement to young people starting their education, their marriage or their families, as well as maintaining written communication to his many pen pals. He was inquisitive by nature, always willing to accept a challenging practical problem. He personally built homes, cabins, barns, and sheds in addition to handcrafted items. He was a carpenter, a contractor, a mechanic, an electrician, a plumber and a general handyman, in addition to his many years of services as an accomplished large animal veterinarian. He was a hunter, fisherman and storyteller. He loved people, but also enjoyed working alone. He believed in the Protestant work ethic, insisting well into his 80's that a man ought to break a sweat at least once a day to remain healthy.
Doc was predeceased by his parents, a sister in childbirth, his brother Homer and his first wife Isabel. He is survived by his wife Shirley, five children, nine grandchildren, and twelve greatgrandchildren; four stepchildren, Marilyn (Jerry) Petersen, of Blackfoot, Idaho; Richard (Sheila Bronson) Parsons, of Blackfoot and Pocatello, William Terry (Karla) Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Pat Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho, eight step-grandchildren, and twelve step-greatgrandchildren.
His children want to acknowledge Shirley's love, care and support through Dad's final difficult years, without which we would have lost him many years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Blanchardville Methodist Church in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the family plot at the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Arrangements are being handled by the Saether Funeral Home, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations to the McKeller Memorial Park, c/o Bruce Baker, PO Box 187, Blanchardville, Wisconsin 53516, will be most appreciated.
Fredrick Wilson "Doc" Baker passed away Sunday, July 16, 2006, at the age of 88 at the New Glarus Nursing Home in New Glarus, Wisconsin. He was born on December 13, 1917, in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, to Dwight E. and Doris Parkinson Baker, the second of five children.
Doc graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1935, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison between 1935 and 1940, while operating his own construction business to finance his education. He participated in track and baseball at the University.
In 1940 he was admitted to the Texas A & M School of Veterinary Medicine, from which he graduated with honors. He was offered an assistant professorship in histology at the time of his graduation. He was proud to have participated in the United States Calvary before it was disbanded early in World War II. In 1943 he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain. In 1946 he returned to his hometown of Blanchardville, Wisconsin, and began his practice of veterinary medicine, which he continued for 32 years. His practice was primarily with dairy cattle.
He served as a Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, on the Blanchardville School Board, on the Blanchardville City Council, and was a commissioner of the Home Talent Baseball League, a league of approximately thirty baseball teams from small communities around Madison. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the Wisconsin Veterinary Association, the American Legion, and the Blackfoot, Idaho, Elks Lodge #1416.
Doc was actively involved much of his adult life in improvements to the facilities at McKeller Memorial Park in Blanchardville, including the preservation, planning, financing and construction of baseball fields, shelter houses, swimming pool, public restrooms, and recreational vehicle areas. He gave freely of his time and considerable talents in improving the school and community facilities.
Doc married Isabel McDowell September 1, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. They raised five children, Dwight (Ali) of Blackfoot, Idaho; Jim (Diane) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Bruce (Karen) of Blanchardville, Wisconsin; Beth of Anchorage, Alaska; and Robert (Lori) of Gilbert, Arizona. Isabel predeceased Doc on April 2, 1981, at which time Doc retired and moved to Victor, Idaho, where he built a cabin in which he resided. He married Shirley Parsons of Blackfoot, Idaho, on October 9, 1982. Shirley and Doc resided on the Parsons' Ranch on Trail Creek north of Mackay, Idaho, during the summer, and in Wickenburg, Arizona, during the winter.
Doc was an ardent supporter of education, athletics and young people. An avid letter writer, he often sent notes of encouragement to young people starting their education, their marriage or their families, as well as maintaining written communication to his many pen pals. He was inquisitive by nature, always willing to accept a challenging practical problem. He personally built homes, cabins, barns, and sheds in addition to handcrafted items. He was a carpenter, a contractor, a mechanic, an electrician, a plumber and a general handyman, in addition to his many years of services as an accomplished large animal veterinarian. He was a hunter, fisherman and storyteller. He loved people, but also enjoyed working alone. He believed in the Protestant work ethic, insisting well into his 80's that a man ought to break a sweat at least once a day to remain healthy.
Doc was predeceased by his parents, a sister in childbirth, his brother Homer and his first wife Isabel. He is survived by his wife Shirley, five children, nine grandchildren, and twelve greatgrandchildren; four stepchildren, Marilyn (Jerry) Petersen, of Blackfoot, Idaho; Richard (Sheila Bronson) Parsons, of Blackfoot and Pocatello, William Terry (Karla) Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Pat Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho, eight step-grandchildren, and twelve step-greatgrandchildren.
His children want to acknowledge Shirley's love, care and support through Dad's final difficult years, without which we would have lost him many years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Blanchardville Methodist Church in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the family plot at the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Arrangements are being handled by the Saether Funeral Home, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations to the McKeller Memorial Park, c/o Bruce Baker, PO Box 187, Blanchardville, Wisconsin 53516, will be most appreciated.
Doc graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1935, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison between 1935 and 1940, while operating his own construction business to finance his education. He participated in track and baseball at the University.
In 1940 he was admitted to the Texas A & M School of Veterinary Medicine, from which he graduated with honors. He was offered an assistant professorship in histology at the time of his graduation. He was proud to have participated in the United States Calvary before it was disbanded early in World War II. In 1943 he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain. In 1946 he returned to his hometown of Blanchardville, Wisconsin, and began his practice of veterinary medicine, which he continued for 32 years. His practice was primarily with dairy cattle.
He served as a Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, on the Blanchardville School Board, on the Blanchardville City Council, and was a commissioner of the Home Talent Baseball League, a league of approximately thirty baseball teams from small communities around Madison. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the Wisconsin Veterinary Association, the American Legion, and the Blackfoot, Idaho, Elks Lodge #1416.
Doc was actively involved much of his adult life in improvements to the facilities at McKeller Memorial Park in Blanchardville, including the preservation, planning, financing and construction of baseball fields, shelter houses, swimming pool, public restrooms, and recreational vehicle areas. He gave freely of his time and considerable talents in improving the school and community facilities.
Doc married Isabel McDowell September 1, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. They raised five children, Dwight (Ali) of Blackfoot, Idaho; Jim (Diane) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Bruce (Karen) of Blanchardville, Wisconsin; Beth of Anchorage, Alaska; and Robert (Lori) of Gilbert, Arizona. Isabel predeceased Doc on April 2, 1981, at which time Doc retired and moved to Victor, Idaho, where he built a cabin in which he resided. He married Shirley Parsons of Blackfoot, Idaho, on October 9, 1982. Shirley and Doc resided on the Parsons' Ranch on Trail Creek north of Mackay, Idaho, during the summer, and in Wickenburg, Arizona, during the winter.
Doc was an ardent supporter of education, athletics and young people. An avid letter writer, he often sent notes of encouragement to young people starting their education, their marriage or their families, as well as maintaining written communication to his many pen pals. He was inquisitive by nature, always willing to accept a challenging practical problem. He personally built homes, cabins, barns, and sheds in addition to handcrafted items. He was a carpenter, a contractor, a mechanic, an electrician, a plumber and a general handyman, in addition to his many years of services as an accomplished large animal veterinarian. He was a hunter, fisherman and storyteller. He loved people, but also enjoyed working alone. He believed in the Protestant work ethic, insisting well into his 80's that a man ought to break a sweat at least once a day to remain healthy.
Doc was predeceased by his parents, a sister in childbirth, his brother Homer and his first wife Isabel. He is survived by his wife Shirley, five children, nine grandchildren, and twelve greatgrandchildren; four stepchildren, Marilyn (Jerry) Petersen, of Blackfoot, Idaho; Richard (Sheila Bronson) Parsons, of Blackfoot and Pocatello, William Terry (Karla) Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Pat Parsons of Idaho Falls, Idaho, eight step-grandchildren, and twelve step-greatgrandchildren.
His children want to acknowledge Shirley's love, care and support through Dad's final difficult years, without which we would have lost him many years ago.
Funeral services will be held at the Blanchardville Methodist Church in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the family plot at the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Arrangements are being handled by the Saether Funeral Home, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations to the McKeller Memorial Park, c/o Bruce Baker, PO Box 187, Blanchardville, Wisconsin 53516, will be most appreciated.
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