We are sad to announce that Michael Carl Baker, Mike 67, of Fennville passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 21st, 2023 at his home.
As per Mike’s request, no funeral service will be held. The family will plan a Celebration of Life later. His ashes will be spread by his immediate family at a waterfall in the Upper Peninsula.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian Baker/Gillette, his stepfather, Glenn Gillette, his ex-wife, Lisa Baker/Christman, and his brother-in-law, Terry Armbruster.
In his early years Mike was big for his age and people often mistook him for being much older than he was. He was smart, he was strong, and he was very capable. He was creative and inventive. He had a passion for creating new ways to complete a task that demanded less effort yet was more efficient. He was gentle and good hearted, but he’s also fought for what he thought was right.
He loved the outdoors and everything it had to offer. Despite being left-handed and right eyed, Mike became a skilled marksman. He had a passion for hunting and fishing throughout all seasons of the year and his life.
He loved to travel and as a young man it was not uncommon for him to grab a buddy and head out for an adventure a thousand miles away or more. The past three decades Mike and Cathy’s travels were closer to home cruising on their 750 Honda Gold Wing, riding their dune buggy through the Allegan State Forest, or just exploring the trails at their property on a 4-wheeler.
Mike always had a magnificent garden, and he was proud of the variety of fruits and vegetables he helped to raise, freeze, and can every fall.
He was a “Jack of all Trades”. His jobs throughout his life were many and varied. He was skilled at operating heavy equipment whether he had past experience or not. He loved working the land and was probably the most at home on the seat of a tractor or in the saddle. He was content with his horses, dogs, pigs, goats, cattle, ducks, and chickens.
He was an experienced carpenter, he could handle electrical, welding, and plumbing issues and he could fix just about anything. He worked for several years doing siding including jobs so dangerous that other installers would not attempt doing them. He was well known and respected in the construction world, as the guy who gets the job done!
Mike consistently took the time to keep informed about current political issues in the US and the world. He was a die hard Republican and a faithful supporter of the NRA and our Second Amendment.
He never missed going in the summer with his family to the Northern Nationals Event at the US 131 Martin Dragway.
Quiet evenings at home were spent watching TV. Mike was a TV connoisseur, but his favorites were programs related to Vikings and literally ANY episode of the drama series Sons of Anarchy.
Mike will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts.
He leaves behind his caring and devoted wife, Cathy Yoder, his step-son, Jeff Davidson, his step-daughter, Kim (Dan) Wrobleski, his son, Ben (Ally) Baker, his grandson, Josh (Heather) Davidson, his father, Carl (Pat) Baker, his siblings, Becky (Dave) Sherwood, Barb (Terry) Armbruster, Bonnie (Joe) Pickett, Matt (Sue) Baker, 14 other grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.