Byrdene A. Baker, age 92, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital. She was born on January 23, 1924 in Lodi, WI to her parents Valentine and Barbara (Jansen) Treinen. Byrdene graduated from Lodi High School in 1941. On June 4, 1942, she was united in marriage to Russell Baker in Lodi and the couple resided there until moving to Monticello in 1953. Byrdene farmed with her husband until 1973 and had also worked at Streiff's Grocery in Monticello. She then worked at the Monroe Cheese Corp. for almost twenty years until retiring. Byrdene was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Belleville and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 256. She enjoyed embroidery and was a dedicated card player playing cards at least 3 or 4 times a week. Family was very important to Byrdene she loved to share and spend time with them.
Byrdene is survived by her children David (Mary) Baker, Eleanor (David) Smith, Joanne (Richard) Smith, Daniel (Merida) Baker, and Bonnie (William) Wagner, eight grandchildren David (Kelly) Baker, Jr., James (Cristi) Baker, Gregg (Laura) Baker, Steven Baker, Angela (Mark) Voit, Anita Lawver, Larry (Deana) Smith, and Jacqueline (Peter) Rylko, seventeen great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Lorraine Baker, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell, five brothers, two sisters, and a great-granddaughter Sora Baker.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 338 South Harrison St., Belleville, WI with the Rev. Michael Moon and Rev. Kenneth Klink officiating with burial in the Highland Cemetery, Monticello.
Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Ave., New Glarus, WI and from 12:00 noon until time of services on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Belleville.
A memorial fund has been established.
