Melvin Baker

Melvin Baker, 67, of Grayslake, IL, passed away just before midnight on December 29th with his wife Karen by his side. He had spent his final days surrounded by his wife, two boys, his grandson, as well as countless numbers of family and friends. Born August 21, 1946, to George and Mary Angela Baker, Mel spent his early years in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from De La Salle High School in 1964 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He served on the USS Blue DD-744 out of Long Beach, CA, during the Vietnam War. After finishing his enlistment in 1967, he enrolled at Dunwoody College in Minneapolis, MN. Upon graduation from Dunwoody in 1969 he worked as an engineer in the refrigeration industry until his retirement in 2009. On August 21, 1976, Melvin married Karen Nelson of Albert Lea, MN. They had two boys, Christopher and Michael, and one grandson, Christian Baker. Mel loved to hunt, fish, shoot skeet, drink coffee, drive slowly, socialize with friends, and above all else spend time with his family. Mel was preceded in death by his father George, mother Mary Angela, and his brother-in-law and best friend Bob Majerus; and is survived by his wife Karen, sons Christopher and Michael (Lindsey), grandson Christian, sister Angela, brother Lowell (Debbie), and a large number of extended family and close friends. A funeral service will be held at 6 o'clock on Friday January 3rd at Marsh Funeral home in Gurnee, IL.