Wilma Baker

Wilma Baker, 89, of Sioux Center, IA died Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Royale Meadows Care Center of Sioux Center. A visitation will be held on Monday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday at 2:30PM at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. The Baker family prefers memorials to Sioux Center Home Health & Hospice. Wilma (De Groot) Baker was born on July 6, 1925 at Edgerton, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Jennie (Bliek) De Groot. The De Groot family settled in Sioux Center, Iowa when Wilma was seven years old. Wilma attended Sioux Center Christian School and graduated from Sioux Center Public High School. On April 9, 1942, Wilma was united in marriage to Marion "Mike" Baker in her parent's home. She and Mike lived in Sioux Center where they raised their family of two daughters and two sons. In addition to caring for her family, Wilma worked various jobs and assisted Mike with clerical and bookkeeping work at their auto repair business, Mike's Service Garage. Marion preceded her in death on January 7, 1992. Wilma was known for the beautiful hand-work she created. She shared many of her crocheted, needle point and plastic mesh items with others. She was an avid reader, hospital volunteer and loved helping others when she could. For many years she housed Dordt College couples in her basement apartment; she felt blessed with the opportunity to get to know these students. Wilma was an active member of First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center. She participated in Gleaners Forum, Golden Hour Society, Mops and Ruth Society. Wilma is survived by three children: Harriet and Rodney Mouw of Longville, MN, Carl Baker of Honolulu, HI, Mary and Olin Lund of Hull. Also surviving are her seven grandchildren, three step grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Marion, Wilma was preceded in death by her son, Dan Baker; brother and sister-in-law, Adrian and Hattie De Groot and three sisters and brothers-in-law: Johanna and Lane Van Der Linden, Henrietta and George Bierma, Sr., Cornelia and Fred Brandes.