The Baker family has lost a beloved mother, Marlene Kay Baker, aka Gigi, who was born to George and Viola Kuehl in Lake Park, IA, on 3/08/1938, and passed away in Columbia. TN, on 8/6/2021. Marlene married Merle Baker on August 6, 1954, and they raised 5 children in Spirit Lake, Iowa: Craig, Roxanne, Tammy, Candy, and Poncho. Merle passed away in March 1992 and the family believes Marlene was chosen to join Merle in heaven on what would have been their 67th anniversary.
The family was truly blessed to have such wonderful parents and the memories of both Merle and Marlene will live on through their grandchildren: Miranda (Trent) Ames, Megan Trent, Brandon Trent, Abby (Baker) Matheson, Shannon Baker, Brianna (Baker) Davis, Alyssa Baker, and Hayden Baker together with great-grandchildren: Lily Trent, Ava and Conner Matheson, Waylon and Liberty Ames, Sam Davis, and Huxley Baker. That crew with spouses and significant others made a commitment years ago to get together at least every 2 years to celebrate the joy of “family”. These trips included the beach in Rocky Point in Mexico (Gigi’s favorite); crabbing in the Columbia river in Astoria, Oregon; the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee; Spring Training in Arizona; Brianna’s wedding in Fresno; and of course return trips to Okoboji to see longtime friends. Gigi’s presence will loom large at the next family gathering in July 2022 when 1 year old Sam and Huxley will meet for the first time and Abby will marry her fiancée Andy.
Gigi’s passion was her family and she told everyone that she had 5 great kids. She would remind us that you are not here for a long time, you are here for a good time. A whiskey and water usually followed. In her later years, Gigi loved to start her conversation with “Let me tell you one thing” – and a life lesson followed. She could do everything – sewing, reupholstering, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cooking, baking, canning, arts and crafts. The list was endless and her loss cannot be replaced. Her motto in life was simple – try hard and be your best at whatever you choose to do. Never give up, never give in and never surrender.
Gigi didn’t just touch her immediate family, she was a friend, counselor and “mom” to many high school kids while working at the Spirit Lake High School. Friends still remind us of the times they heard Mrs. Baker say – report to the Principal’s office, now! Upon learning of her death, countless old friends reached out saying how much Mrs. Baker meant to them and that she was in many ways, their mom too. The Baker family thanks everyone for all of those comments and old stories. Please realize how special and comforting those words are to hear. We truly believe that Gigi did not realize how many people she touched in such a positive way.
Marlene Baker was predeceased by her parents George and Viola Kuehl and her husband Merle Baker. She is survived by her older brother Robert Kuehl and younger brother Ronald Kuehl plus nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to the children above, the family also includes Craig’s wife Lisa Baker Dreeszen, Tammy’s husband Terry Smiley, Candy’s husband Dan Jellum, Poncho’s wife Karim, Miranda’s husband Shaun Ames, Abby’s fiancée Andy Ebeling, Brianna’s husband Keegan McBride Davis, Shannon’s girlfriend Tayler Roads, Hayden’s fiancée Kayla Hill, and Lily’s boyfriend Jason Evans.
Marlene, aka Gigi, will be dearly missed.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
