George Baker, 68 / Feb. 28, 1943 — June 13, 2011

Published 11:37 pm Wednesday, June 15, 2011

George A. Baker, 68, of Niles, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 13, 2011 at Lakeland Continuing Care in St. Joseph.

George Baker, 68

He was born Feb. 28, 1943 in Kalamazoo to the late Jacob G. and Margaret E. (Fry) Baker-Czuk. George was raised by his mother and stepfather, Edward Czuk.

On April 25, 1975, George married Rita Laird at a ceremony in South Bend.

George, or as most of his friends called him, “Baker,” was very active for many years in the community. He was a member of the Niles Elks Lodge and participated in the Niles VFW. He owned and operated South Bend Cash Registry and was a master at fixing cash registers. In his free time he enjoyed three-wheeling, snowmobiling, fishing, golfing, traveling up north and looking at old cars. He was a member of the American Street Rod Association and the Old Boys Toys Club.

George is survived by his wife, Rita Baker of Niles, who cared for George for almost 20 years; a son, Michael A. Baker of Niles; two daughters, Kimberly R. Baker of Niles, Stacey A. Baker of Niles; two brothers, David (Donna) Baker of Kalamazoo, Phillip (Ramona) Czuk of Schoolcraft, Mich.; two sisters, Kathy Jo Czuk of Kalamazoo and Carol Cowper of Kalamazoo. He also has two foster children at home whom he loved greatly.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Baker’s life Friday, June 17 at 2 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home at 521 East Main St. in Niles, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Those wishing to leave a message for the family, upload a photo or write a letter of condolence may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Memorial contributions may be made in George’s memory to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.