Geraldine Marie (Wendell) Baker

Geraldine Marie Baker (nee Wendell)

“Geri”

Age 73 of Coal City, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 3, 2021 at her home with her family by her side.

Geri successfully owned and directed her own early childhood education center and collectively taught pre-school for 38 years. She was a lifelong devoted member of her church community. With that devotion came a selflessness that included going on mission trips to Africa to help those in need. Geri enjoyed numerous activities which included making ceramics, travel, reading, jazzercise, and teaching anyone that was willing to learn. Her most treasured times were always spent with her family. Geri will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years: Michael Joseph Baker; daughters: Joy (Michael) Ellena and Jennifer (Brian) Fisher; grandchildren: Allen, Breann, Devin, Emma, Claire and Carlie; sisters: Peg Wendell and Mary Stith; brothers: James Wendell and Thomas Wendell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Geri is preceded in death by her parents: Mary Louise (Barton) Wendell and Emmett Frederick Wendell.

Family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 E McArdle Road in Coal City. Interment will follow and Geri will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.