Helen Baker

Helen Eileen (Thompson) Baker, born January 8, 1925 in Frederic, Wisconsin to William and Elvira (Hegge) Thompson passed away March 24, 2015. She was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church. The farm on which she spent her childhood was 3 1/2 miles east of Bethany on Assembly Road. She attended Wood River School from her first grade through eighth grade, and graduating from Grantsburg High School in 1943. After graduation she began her education in preparation to become a teacher, eventually receiving both her bachelors and masters degrees from UW Superior. She taught 2 years at a rural school named Midway and 2 years at Wood Lake School as the teacher of grades 5-8. The remaining years of her 41 years as a teacher were in the Village of Grantsburg teaching in grades one through three and the last 19 years in kindergarten. The first years she had over 30 students in each session morning and afternoon. She spent one year teaching second grade at one of Robbinsdale, MN schools in the early 50's, but A.T. Nelson convinced her to return to Grantsburg Schools. In 1955 she was married to Guy Baker. The marriage was dissolved in divorce some years later. In 1967-1968 along with teaching first grade, she prepared the curriculum and daily program for the first full-time kindergarten which began in 1968-1969 school year when the elementary building on hwy 70 was completed. Teaching was her lifelong dream and her passion. She served in many capacities and leadership roles in education and in community activities. For 39 years a member of the Grantsburg Woman's Club, active in calendar sales, village projects, and serving on all of the offices. After retiring from teaching in May 1987 she worked part time at the Public Library when it was located on Pine Street, previous to that she was a member of the library board for a number of years. Helen was an active member of Bethany her entire life, active on various committees, offices of the Woman of the ELCA and the American Lutheran Church Women serving as coordinator and writing a history of the Bethany Ladies Aid, and Bethany Lutheran Church. She served her Lord as well by teaching Sunday School, Bible School and as Sunday School Superintendent. She was an avid reader, enjoyed sewing and researching genealogy. On some of her trips to Europe she visited the Scandinavian Countries for information on family history in Norway and Sweden and had the privilege of attending the 350th anniversary of the Passion Play in the Oberammergau, Germany. Helen is preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and sister Eldora Larson. She is survived by sister Marlys (Lowell) Olson; nephew, Brad (Linda) Olson; niece, Julie (Curt) Lee; grand-nephew, Carter Lee; grand-nieces, Marie and Amy Olson; Cassidy and Caitlyn Lee, and special friend Dallas Johnson. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 2:00pm (visitation from 1-2pm) at Bethany Lutheran Church, Grantsburg with Pastor Jay Ticknor officiating. Graveside service will follow after at Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home Grantsburg, WI. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com