Todd Baker, 78, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at his home. He was born on November 9, 1940, in Chicago, to the late Robert V. Baker II and Wilma Conklin Baker. He was a lifelong resident of Kenosha. He was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School class of 1959. In 1964, he joined the U.S. Navy and served 2 years as a Seabee during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1966. During 1964-1966, Todd attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee receiving his B.S. degree in History. He married Lucille Turco on July 13, 1968 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was the proud father to Katherine (Baker) and Dean Hellwig, and Victoria (Baker) and Brent Stauffacher, and beloved grandfather to Carter, Olivia, Sophia, Ava, Quinn, and Baker. In high school, he was a member of the swim, football, and track team. He loved to pole vault. His hobbies were history, drawing, painting, reading, golf, and football. He was proud of his country, the Navy, and St. Anne’s Church where he was a member of 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Divine Mercy-St. Anne Council #16022 and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Archbishop Messmer Assembly 1201. Todd loved Jesus, old movies and even older music, babies, betting the ponies, and having a great meal and spending quality time with family and friends. He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and relaxing at his place in Door County. Todd retired from Snap-On Tools after 25 years of service. Todd was so happy to be selected by Snap-On to participate in their sponsoring him in the 2017 Honor Flight. He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt, Helen Baker; brother, Michael Baker; and brother-in-law, Michael Turco. In addition to his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, he is survived by his brothers, Robert V. Baker III and Fred Scott; sisters-in-laws Marilyn Baker, Patti Prostko, Frances Turco, and Anita Scott; brother-in-law, Mark Prostko; nephews, John Baker, Richard Baker, Craig Baker, and Robert V. Baker IV; niece, Beth Baker and their beloved families; so many dear extended Baker, Turco, and Volpentesta family members and friends, and his beloved pooch, Toby. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 14th at St. Anne’s Catholic Church at 12:00 noon. A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment at Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Anne’s Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262 654 3533Visit & Sign Todd’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Jennie Capponi
October 12, 2019
So sorry to hear about Todd's passing. He was always my kind of fella. What you saw in him was what you got. Down to earth, all around good guy. I will always treasure knowing him and enjoying his company. RIP Todd, I know you are reaping your just rewards. You have also left behind a wonderful legacy in your loving family. God Bless!
LieLani and Connie Yates
October 12, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs to you and your entire family. I know that my dad (Ruby) and all his other friends were at the pearly gates waiting for him. again so sorry for you loss and God bless. LieLani and Connie Yates.
Carol Schlevensky2624967220
October 12, 2019
So very sorry for your loss. Todd was always fun at your class reunions. "Memories, laughter and love, the treasures we keep forever. Let those good memories play over and over in your heart. God Bless. Carol and Jan Schlevensky
Rosemary Mastronardi
October 12, 2019
I am very sorry to hear of Todd's passing, sincere sympathy to Lucille, Kathy, Vicky, and all the family. Todd always had a smile!Rosemary Mastronardi
Lynn Mirecki-Arzberger
October 11, 2019
Todd will always be remembered for his kindness and gentle spirit. The Baker's were wonderful, fun neighbors while I was growing up. May he rest in peace with his loving family, holding God's hand. He was a good man.The Mirecki Family was fortunate to know him.
Lowanda
October 11, 2019
My condolences to your family. In your sorrow may there be hope, in your thoughts may there be peace, in your heart may there be be healing. Psalm 147:73 assures us "He (Jehovah God) heals the broken hearted,He binds up our wounds". May you find comfort in God's Words at this difficult time.
John Baker
October 11, 2019
The memories of horse-playing are too numerous to mention. it is one of my lifetime passions, and I owe it to Uncle Todd. We went to the tracks, mostly Arlington Park and Dairyland in Kenosha, countless times together. He taught me everything I know about it. Todd always cashed more tickets (winners) than me! My favorite memory of our times at the track: my brother Dick went with us to AP one time; Dick hit a 30/1 shot in the Metropolitan Mile, after ignoring all the advice Todd and I gave him about the horse he picked. But the horse came in; I wonder if Dick still has the timepiece he bought with the proceeds.As for the hat pictured elsewhere on this site: it is my favorite racing hat. Bill Bonright was one of our favorite horses through the years; he made us some real money...
John Baker
October 11, 2019
Nephew John Baker; I'm guessing not many readers will know that Uncle Todd worked a fair number of shifts 'cooking for money' at My's Feast Fair in Kenosha, the restaurant once owned by the Turco family. He loved it. He would describe the chicken thus: "Mother fried, southern fried, finger lickin,' lick-a-dickety good!" He told me about boning out dozens of turkeys, then tying them back together for roasting during Holiday time.