John W. "Jack" Baker

John "Jack" W. Baker, 82, of Silvis, died Sunday, June 10 th, 2012 at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15th, 2012 at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. 6601-38th Avenue, Moline. Visitation is Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial is at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline with military honors conducted by East Moline American Legion Post #227. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center out of respect for Jack's love of animals, especially his current dogs, Rusty and Mac.
Jack was born December 10th, 1929 in Moline, the son of Howard Benjamin and Ethel (Graham) Baker. He married MaryAnn Burge on October 6 th, 1951 in East Moline. He was a member of Silvis United Methodist Church. From 1948 to 1953, Jack served in the 44th Infantry Division of the National Guard and was called to active service in 1951 serving in Germany until his honorable discharge. From 1953 to 1964, he worked as a journeyman electrician for Robbins Electric. Several projects he was involved in included the electrical work of Moline High School, Burge Hall at the University of Iowa, the I-74 bridge, the Quad City Airport, and numerous public schools. His final project as a Robbins' employee was working on the original construction of Deere and Company World Headquarters. He was then one of the first people to be hired as an electrician for Deere's corporate office. He worked as a Master Electrician there for 30 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 63 years. Retirement brought opportunities to focus more time on some special hobbies and interests which included fishing, reading, and gardening. His family enjoyed the benefits of his plentiful harvests. He also began new hobbies such as woodcarving, leatherwork, and learning to play the organ. Jack and MaryAnn traveled often visiting China, Finland, Denmark, Alaska, Nova Scotia, and Jamaica. They were also frequent passengers on bus trips throughout the continental United States. Their most memorable trips were the annual camping trips starting in 1963 with their own children and have continued every year since. Some of these trips included the states of Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana. One of Jack's greatest joys was attending events for his grandchildren which he rarely missed from grade school through college. These events covered football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, track, wrestling, cheerleading, soccer, rugby, choir and band. His stadium seat and blankets were always in the car ready for the next event. His family has been blessed with his love and support throughout his life. "Poppa", as his grandchildren lovingly called him, will be greatly missed by all.
SURVIVORS
Wife: Mary Ann Baker Silvis
Sons: Keith (Deborah) Baker Port Byron
Glenn (Joan) Baker Bettendorf
Daughter: Debbie (Tony) Rokis Colona
Grandchildren: Amy (Jeff) Swan, Scott Rokis, Kristin Baker, Jared Baker, Ashley (Dan) Griswold, Anthony Rokis, Kara (Guy) Dierikx, and Brooke Baker
Great-grandchildren: Addilyn Swan, Drake Griswold, Myles Dierikx, and another great grandchild due in October
He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, and a brother.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.