Robert Hugh Baker of Vassar passed away peacefully at Wellspring Lutheran Services Frankenmuth Campus on August 5, 2026 at age 81. Robert was born on April 9, 1945 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Orren & Donna Baker. He was predeceased by his wife Janet and brother David Baker.

He is survived by his children Kim (Brad) Jenks of Vassar, Michael (Ashley) Baker of Canton, GA. Grandchildren Brandon Corbit, Dylan Baker, Sofii Baker. Great-grandchildren Arthur Baker.

Bob graduated from Vassar High School, was drafted and served his country in the Army from 1965-1967. He married Janet Sue Anderson on 4-9-66 on his birthday so he would never forget his anniversary. They lived in Vassar their entire lives.

He started working for Vassar Public Schools in 1968 as a bus mechanic and school bus driver until he retired in 2003 to take care of his father.

Bob took bowling and golf very seriously. He started in mid 60’s and at least 2-3 times a week, had a steady average near or over 200 mark. He had a trio of 300 games in Richville (1997, 1998, 2003) then another one in 1994 at Traverse City tournament. He served as secretary for the men’s bowling association for almost 20 years. He served as president of the Frankenmuth Vassar Bowling Hall of Fame committee as well as being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. Bowling tournaments were a great source of enjoyment.

He had a membership at Vassar Golf Club where he golfed on multiple leagues. He got his wife Janet involved as well after he retired. They both enjoyed bowling and golf, meeting so many people and developing lifelong friendships.

Bob was involved with the Vassar Ambulance Service for many years as a driver/first responder. They even named a baby (Denny Billy Bob) unofficially of course that his Friday night crew delivered. He loved the “No Reason” parties and camaraderie with his fellow emergency responders. He was also in volved in the Tuscola County Search & Rescue club who used bloodhounds (Ralph & Annie) to search for missing people.

Camping was another passion of Bob & Janet, they raised their children/grandchildren going camping who have followed in their footsteps. They loved to decorate their campsite, they took their cats with them, they made fleece chair covers that we still use to this day. Even when he couldn’t camp any longer, he still rented a cabin so he could visit with friends and be outside.

Losing his vision and starting dialysis never slowed him down, he just kept adjusting as needed. The last 11 years being able to spend his winters in Indiana then Georgia as a “snowbird” was his highlight and spending time with his granddaughter Sofii.

Special thanks to the Saginaw VA for his medical care, to Fresenius Dialysis staff in both Caro and Canton, to Cornerstone Caregiving, to Wellspring Frankenmuth caring for him when we couldn’t, to Kim’s Wellspring volunteers Gayle, Dalene & Donna who covered when she couldn’t work and to Wellspring Hospice. We can’t forget his special friends that met for breakfast through the years. If we dropped him off in the morning, we never had to worry if he had a ride back home, they took very good care of him. It truly takes a village.

The family will receive friends at Hanlin Funeral Home in Vassar on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 3 PM to 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Wellspring Camp Hope.

Kindly share a memory with Bob's family in the guestbook below.

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