Michael Baker

Michael Rowland Baker, 82, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, surrounded by family.

He was born to parents Richard and Mary Baker on Nov. 15, 1941, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Michael graduated from South Haven High School in 1959. While in high school he learned to fly and soloed, along with his lifelong friend, Chuck, at South Haven Airport.

After high school he enlisted in the US Navy. He graduated from Naval Training Center San Diego; after which he served aboard the USS Halsey Powell as a cook. A skill which he used and shared with family, friends, and church, the rest of his life. He loved his time in the Navy and his deployment cruises to the Pacific, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.

He reconnected with his Shipmates in the 90's and organized many reunions, to which he loved traveling with his wife Ruth. Michael is known by many for his refereeing around West Michigan. From softball to basketball, to football and from high school to adult recreation leagues. Every summer you could find him at the softball fields, many nights of the week. He always took that responsibility very seriously and called it as he saw it and applied the rules fairly.

He married Ruth, the love of his life, in 1963. They were introduced by their best and lifelong friends, Chuck, and Kay. Ruth survives him.

Michael is also survived by daughter Kristin, son Scott and wife Kamille, daughter Kathryn and husband Curt, and son-in-law Nipper. Michael was preceded in passing by daughter Karin.

He is also survived by grandchild, Connor and wife, Amanda; great grandchild Indie; and grandchildren Christian, Deegan, Joshua, Alexis, and Logan.

A visitation will be from 6-8 pm, (prayers at 7:30 pm) Friday, April 5, 2024 at Dykstra Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Burial will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI at a later date.