Otto Mar Baker Jr, Freeport, IL, died unexpectedly on Friday May 31st 2024. He was born February 8th, 1966 in Monroe, WI to Otto M. and Margaret S.A. (Koertner) Baker Sr. Otto graduated from Le-Win High School in 1984. He started his work career at Kelly Springfield, Freeport, IL for 12 years until layoffs. He then started his own drywall business in Monroe, WI, where he also worked many part-time jobs until employment in Belvidere, IL Fiat/Chrysler plant where he spent nearly eight years until layoff in May 2021. He then began working at Savencia Kolb- Lena, IL November 2021 - June 2022 through Furst Staffing gaining full-time June 2022 as Dock- Warehouse-tow motor operator at the main facility. April 2023 he then obtained the position of manager/truckdriver at the Freeport Warehouse /Dry Storage facility until his death. Otto's passions included but not limited to, being a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, Demo Derby’s, where he entered many throughout the years, he liked to wreck things, his extreme passion was playing darts on leagues, playing with many friends in Wisconsin and Illinois, where he attended many Wisconsin State Dart Tournaments with his team, he also had the privilege of attending NDA Team Darts in 2022 in Las Vegas, with his team from Dave's Place, Lanark, IL. He also enjoyed motorcycling, riding side by side with his fiancé whom he planned to marry June 2024. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He was known for his boisterous laughs, bear hugs, always a smile, and he would never say goodbye, it was always a hug and later.
He is survived by his fiancé Lori Loomis of Freeport IL, daughter Josephine (Andy) Pickard, their children: Abriana, Cora, and Hudson of Pearl City, IL; sons he helped raise Adam (Beth Zelensky) Brant, their children: Jasmin and A.J. of Freeport, IL, Jason (Leah) Brant, and their son Connor of Dubuque, Iowa, and Shawn Brant of Monroe, WI; siblings Albert (Candy) Baker of Sterling, IL, Linda Baker Morris of Mt. Morris, IL, Barbara Wand of Argyle, WI, Elaine Baker of Milton, WI, and Rita Wand of Freeport, IL; extended blended family Jeremy (Penny Russell) and their children Jaden, and Jessa Loomis, Lauren (Jason Borger) Tyrrell, her children Jada Loomis and great granddaughter Vae Huerta, Brennan and Kooper Tyrell, all of Lena, IL. Danielle (Mike Jender) Hagen, and their daughter Haddie Mae of Watertown, WI, many nieces and nephews, including special nephew Jeremy Lancey, cousins, many friends including special brother’s Jamie Stingley, Ron (Marlene) Knight, Joe (Mary) Bastian, Jerod Henry, Jeff Wiemken, Mike (Stacy) Baker, and Rod Plum. The list could go on.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, maternal and paternal grandparents, and niece B.J. Lancey.
He will be greatly missed by so many as he loved everyone he came in touch with. He will always be remembered by his hearty laugh, bear hugs, and his Later never good-bye.
Visitation will be held on Friday June 14, 2024, from 4PM - 8PM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, IL. Funeral service at 2PM on Saturday June 15, 2024, also at Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel.
Online condolences may be shared at www.schwarzfh.com
