SPARTA-Norman (Norm) Eugene Baker, born on July 29, 1931, a long-time resident of Sparta, WI, died at the age of 93 on June 15, 2025.
He had several careers during his lifetime, which included being a Monroe County Police Officer and the Director of the Building/Grounds and Housekeeping departments at Gundersen Clinic in La Crosse, WI, for over 25 years. He was responsible for overseeing the largest expansion of the Gundersen Clinic and many satellite clinics. He served our country in the Wisconsin Army National Guard for 27 years reaching the level of 2nd Lieutenant.
During his retirement he oversaw the development and building of several hotels with Rivers Development.
He married Isabelle (Dougherty) Baker in 1954 and later divorced.
He is survived by his brother Richard (Doris) Hobson, his 3 children Ann Baker (Wally Madland), Mike (Dory) Baker and Susan Hartenstine, 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Bessie Hobson, his younger brother Merlin Baker, and son-in-law David Hartenstine.
We would like to thank Dr. Donnenwerth, Dr. Hammel, Dr. Clark and the staff at Winona Health Lake Winona Manor and Hospice for their compassion and care of our father/grandfather.
All donations received will be directed to Winona Health Lake Winona Manor and Winona Health Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta. Burial will follow the service at St. John’s Ev Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at The Sparta American Legion.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
