Elynore (Ellie) Louise Baker (nee Koztian) died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Pickerel, Wisconsin on October 7, 2017. She was born on November 30, 1940 in Deerbrook, Wisconsin to John and Christine (Essert) Kotzian and was one of six children. She married her loving husband Marion (Perry) Baker on February 8, 1991 in Waukegan, IL. They moved to their retirement home in the Northwoods in Pickerel, WI in 1994.
She was a graduate of Elcho High School with the class of 1959.
Ellie was a very loving Wife, Mom and Grandma and was very proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She was dedicated to many causes in her lifetime and always believed in helping others. She was President of the Gurnee American Legion Woman’s Auxiliary from 1989-1991, a Member of the Gurnee Lions Club where she met her husband Perry, the Pickerel Lions Club and Pickerel Snowmobile Club.
She was passionate about her Chicago Cubs and loved seeing them finally win the World Series last year. She also enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and NASCAR racing. Ellie loved to play Cribbage, garden, feed the birds and deer, and solve crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
Ellie is survived by her husband Perry and by her 3 children Julie (Ron) Steffens, Menasha, WI; Tom (Valerie) Strzyz, Pickerel, WI; and Marilyn (Tom) Rissmann, Lake Villa, IL. She is also survived by her grandchildren Billy, Johnny, Tiffany, Megan, Renee and Erik. She is also survived by her older sisters Mary (Gordy) Drost and Helen Binninger in Porter, Texas.
Ellie is also survived by her Stepson David (Molly) Baker Sr., Spring Grove, IL and Step Grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Ellie was preceded in death by sisters Delores and Dorothy, her brother Frank, her first husband Thomas Strzyz Sr. and her son Peter who died as an infant.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Rennes Health & Rehab Center and Ministry Health Care Hospice Services from Rhinelander who supported Ellie during her illness.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Ellie’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 beginning at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home. Memorial Service will start at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, Memorials to Hospice Foundation SHSN for Elynore Baker 111 E. Davenport Street Rhinelander, WI 54501 Attn: Mel