John H. Baker, 91, of Winthrop, IA, died at his home on Tuesday November 21, 2017.

John was born on April 12, 1926 in Rodden, IL the son of Jacob S. and Clara M. (Sohler) Baker. He attended the Black Country School near Rodden, IL. He enlisted into the US Navy on April 17, 1943 and served proudly until his discharge in 1947. On November 18, 1945 in Galena, IL John married the love of his life Catherine Elizabeth Schweitzer. John was a hard worker and throughout his years he worked at the John Deere Foundry in Galena, IL, the Dubuque Packing Company, and he also farmed for many years in rural Winthrop, IA before retiring to Arizona in 1981.In 2001 he and Catherine moved to Joplin, MO, before returning to Winthrop in 2005.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Catherine Baker, Winthrop, IA, and his children Patricia Eaves, TomBall, TX, Ruth Swearingen, Cedar Rapids, IA, Barbara Janss, Des Moines, IA, Donna Dick, Independence, IA, Roger (Robin) Baker, Cedar Grove, WI, and Lucinda (Gregg) Eschen, Dundee, IA, seven grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Belle Cantele, and Lula Ewing, and a brother Frank Baker.

A Funeral Service will be held on December 9, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Church of Christ United in Winthrop, IA. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Fremont Cemetery in Winthrop, IA. Visitation will be on December 8, 2017 from 5 Pm until 8 Pm at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Winthrop, IA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Winthrop First Responders.