Victor I. Baker, 94

Victor I. Baker passed away peacefully “into the arms of his Savior” on Aug. 21, 2012.

The son of Louis and Emma Barchenger Baker, Victor was born in Cass Lake, Minn., on July 13, 1918. He was baptized on Aug. 4, 1918, and confirmed in his Christian faith on June 19, 1932. Victor came with his family of nine children to Libby in 1919, and spent his childhood and attended schools there.               

 One of the first draftees from Libby, he was inducted into the U.S. Army on Aug. 22, 1941. Victor was deployed to the European theater with the First Allied Airborne Division and was honorably discharged on Oct. 5, 1945.

It was while stationed in Epernay, France, that he met his wife, Madelaine. They were married on June 20, 1947, at St. John's  Lutheran Church in Libby.  Shortly thereafter, they established their home in Kalispell in the house that Vic built. They resided there until moving to Buffalo Hill Terrace in December 2007. In August 2011, they moved to Oklahoma City to live with their daughter and son-in-law.  

Victor devoted most of his working career as manager of the Kalispell divisional office of the Montana Department of Transportation. He retired in June of 1980 after 34 years of service.

 Using his skill as a carpenter, Vic constructed numerous toys, games and furniture which provided endless hours of pleasure and many wonderful memories for his children and grandchildren. His beautifully kept flower garden was admired by many passers-by.

He and Madelaine enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and even the world. Numerous visits to France to interact with Madelaine’s family were especially meaningful. Spending portions of winters in Hawaii for many years provided welcome warmth and sunshine.

Victor was a faithful and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and various boards. He also served as the church archivist for many years.

Preceding him in death were his son, Eugene; his parents; his brothers,  Sylvester, Walter, Clarence, Louis, Burton and Perce; and his sister, Leah Clough.

Victor is survived by his wife of 65 years, Madelaine, of Oklahoma City; his brother, Benjamin, of Libby; his daughter, Annick Berkoben, and husband, Wayne, of Oklahoma City; his daughter-in-law, Missy Baker, of Breckenridge, Colo.; his grandchildren, Emily Baker of Denver, John and Kimi Baker of Boulder, Colo., and Juliette Newcomb and husband Brent of Stillwater, Okla.; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A memorial service celebrating Victor's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell.

Memorials may be given to Buffalo Hill Terrace Worship Ministry, 40 Claremont Street, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 West California Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.