John Charles Baker

John Charles Baker: loving, loved, kind, caring, thoughtful, friendly, witty, genuine, loyal, smart, faithful, confident and a confidant, trustworthy, wise, humble, patient, a mentor, a role model.
 
On Friday, June 10, 2022, at the age 61, John Baker of Lake Bluff, Illinois went to be with the Lord after a valiant fight against ampullary cancer.  John was born on January 4, 1961, in Easton, Pennsylvania to the union of the late Guy Irwin Baker, Sr. and Josephine Marie (Cicero) Baker. He graduated from Phillipsburg Catholic High School, Phillipsburg, New Jersey, class of 1979, received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from William Patterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, class of 1984, and did master’s work at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey.
 
On July 21, 1990, at the United Methodist Church of Racine, Wisconsin, he married Jean Carol Mlodock. He became a father to John Charles Baker, Jr. on November 3, 1994, and again to Jaymes Carson Baker on October 17, 1997. He was a family man who was happiest spending time with those he loved. His quiet strength set (and still sets) the tone, and home was always a secure spot for the tight-knit group. “Jean and the boys” were his world, and he was so, so proud of his sons and notably impressed by their accomplishments.
 
John began his career with Western Publishing (Golden Books). A promotion to the corporate headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin set up the meeting of John and Jean. Jean asked him out first, running into him on her way to his office -- only to find out many years later that he, in fact, was heading to her office to ask her out. Their marriage was true and their love unconditional. John was often the calm to Jean’s storm.
 
When Western Publishing closed their Midwest office, John moved on. He immensely enjoyed Radica USA and subsequently joined Mattel when they acquired the small company. His team at Mattel provided good and lasting friends, pranks, and fun. His last 1-1/2 years were spent as Executive Vice President of the Sandstone Group (Lakeside Manufacturing), West Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was a labor of love as he was able to use all the skills and experience gleaned throughout his career. He especially loved mentoring and developing others.
 
John had a close relationship with his sister and extended family. He was the dear brother of Josephine Marie Gray of Easton, Pennsylvania and Guy Irwin Baker, Jr. (Andrea) of Califon, New Jersey, and brother-in-law of Julius Gray of Easton, Pennsylvania. Cherished son-in-law of Richard and the late Cornelia (Salm) Mlodock of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, brother-in-law of Robert Mlodock of Greenville, Alabama and Sally (Sean) Nabors of Naperville, Illinois. Fond uncle of Jason (Dorothy Hiersteiner) Gray, Erin (Jason) Volpe, Brian (Cortney) Baker, Amy Baker, and Ashley Mlodock.
 
Visitation Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Funeral Service Wednesday, June 22, 2022 2:00 P.M. at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 North Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, Illinois. Pastor Mike Woodruff, officiating. Interment will be private. Donations can be made to: joniandfriends.org
 

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