Longtime Chadron resident, business and civic leader. Passed away peacefully at home in Chadron, NE. He was born in Dixon County, NE, the son of Clarence and Alverna (Test) Baker. He married Alice M. Anderson in October of 1954 in Wayne, NE. Jerry and his family owned and operated their own professional accounting and tax firm regionally based in Chadron from 1963 to December 2007, when he sold and merged the business with Dana F. Dole & Company, LLP of Lincoln. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and Council Board, past member of the Chadron and Nebraska Jaycees, Chadron School Board, Chadron Community Hospital Board of Directors and long time active member and officer of the Chadron Fire & Rescue Department from over 31 years. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 and past member of the Elks Club #1399 and Life member of American Legion Post #12. Jerry was a tireless promoter for the Chadron American Legion Baseball program, original incorporator for the Ridgeview Country Club, a Friday night High School Football and Cleveland Browns-Indians devoted fan. He was always willing to lend quiet generosity and assistance to many clients and friends. He loved his time with his family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many companion family dogs over the years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alice M. (Anderson) Baker; sons Steven A. Baker and wife Ruth of Hemingford, NE; David G. Baker and wife Cindy of Wichita, KS; Brett R Baker and wife Noelle of Lincoln, NE; brothers Terry Baker and wife Pat of Wakefield and Burnell Baker and wife Esther of South Sioux City, NE; brother-in-law Bob Masteller of Broomfield CO; grandchildren Riley Baker and wife Aubrey, Tobie (Baker) Bucheit and husband Rob, Adaline Baker, Leon Baker, Delainy Baker, Kiernan Baker; and 4 great-grandchildren; numerous other cousins and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Stanley and Leon Baker and sister Jan (Baker) Masteller.
VISITATION/Celebration of Life Thursday February 10th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 747 Ann St, Chadron, NE, with family greeting friends 5-7pm. FUNERAL Friday February 11th at 1:30pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Officiating will be Parish Ministry Associate Pam Anderson. Burial with full military rights will be conducted at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron. The family wishes to thank the Chadron Home Health-Hospice Team and Lincoln Care Consultants for their care of Jerry. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made in Jerry's name for designations at a later time. Memorials can be sent to P.O. Box 915, Chadron Nebraska 69337-0915. On-line condolences can be sent to Gehrig-Stitt Funeral Home, P.O. Box 151, Sidney, Nebraska 69162-0151, 308-254-2055.