Robert "Bob" Baker

Robert A. Baker, 89, of Traverse City passed away June 6, 2018 surrounded by his loving family in Traverse City. Bob was born on June 15, 1928 to John and Margaret Baker in Detroit. He grew up in Detroit and graduated from Denby High School in 1946. Bob served in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Hornet from 1948-1952. He was married to Virginia "Ginny" Bres on July 12, 1959. Together they had three children, Nancy, Sue and David. They lived in East Lansing and San Juan, Puerto Rico before moving to Traverse City. He was the owner of Bob Baker AMC Jeep in East Lansing from 1964-1978 and the Sun Spot in Traverse City. He was known for his generosity, humor and love of family and friends. Bob was a loving husband, son, father, brother and grandfather. He enjoyed sailing, camping, gardening, reading and dancing, but above all he cherished time spent with family and friends, particularly his wife Ginny. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years Virginia "Ginny" of Traverse City; daughters Nancy Baker of Traverse City and Sue (Robert) Ferguson of Brighton, CO; son David (Theresa) Baker of Traverse City; sister Greta Miner of Goodells; brother Dr. Dennis (Denise) Baker of Edenton, N.C.; grandchildren Dr. Dustin (Jillian) Baker of Royal Oak, Michael (James Dunn) Baker of Detroit, Erica (Josiah) Benn of Thornton, CO and Rachel Ferguson of Boston, MA; and one great granddaughter Havana Benn. He was preceded in death by his mother and father John and Margaret Baker of Detroit, his sister Shirley (Lee) Ives and in-laws Mary 'Busia' (Michael) Gill with whom Bob was very close. The memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held on Saturday June 23, 2018 at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society (https://cherrylandhumane.org/donate/) or the Father Fred Foundation (https://www.fatherfred.org/donate/) of Traverse City. Please feel free share your thoughts and memories with Bob's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Robert "Bob" Baker

June 15, 1928 - June 6, 2018