Poestenkill—George R. Baker, age 96, of Route 351 in Poestenkill, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Van Rensselaer Manor on Tuesday, February 16, 2016.
George was born on June 7, 1919, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Ernest Baker and Bertha Burmoister. He was a travel enthusiast and found his way to Poestenkill, NY where he met his wife, Florence (Schmidt) whom he married on September 28, 1947. They enjoyed 45 wonderful years of marriage, until her passing in 1992.
George was a World War II veteran, and honorably discharged from the Armed Forces Army Air Corps in 1945. He worked at Albany International Harvester Company, and was employed at Hudson Valley Community College until his retirement in 1983.
George and Florence built their house from the ground up, where they lovingly raised their three children. George and Florence loved spending time with their family, and many of their fondest memories included traveling around the country. He was honored to be selected to go on the Patriot Flight with his daughter, to visit Washington, D.C., and see the World War II memorial.
George was known for his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, love of life, and generosity to others. He always was willing to lend a hand to those in need, and had a jingle to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
He lovingly cared for his garden and looked forward to his daily walks. George was a man of many talents, and in his free time, he could be found participating in a wide range of activities, including playing cards with his friends and loved ones, woodworking, reading, and putting his talents to good use. Most of all, George loved to visit with his family, friends, and grandpuppies.
George was a faithful and active member of the Poestenkill Christian Church, the Poestenkill and Sand Lake Senior Citizen Groups, a member of the historical society in Poestenkill, and a former board member of the Poestenkill Hillside Cemetery.
George is survived by his son, Donald Baker, of Lewisville, North Carolina; his daughter Barbara and son-in-law Robert Rexford of Eagle Mills; and his daughter Betty Jean and son-in-law Perry Kaufmann of Brunswick. George was the proud and beloved grandfather of Kevin Baker, Huntsville, NC, Diana (Dustyn) Bucher, Wilkesboro, NC, Nicolle Kaufmann, Brunswick, NY; and Jason Kaufmann, San Diego, CA. He also is survived by three adorable great grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Audri Baker, and several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his wife Florence, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Mildred Schmidt and John and Betty Howard.
A funeral service for Mr. Baker will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home Inc., 2237 New York Route 7, located in Raymertown. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in Poestenkill. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday, from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. prior to the funeral service.
The family would like to thank George’s extended family at Van Rensselaer Manor for their care, kindness, and friendship; especially the C3 Unit.
Those wishing to remember George in a special way may make a donation to the Patriot Flight, Inc. at P.O. Box 190, Delmar, NY 12054 or at patriotflight.org or the Poestenkill Christian Church at 721 Snyder’s Corner Road, Poestenkill, NY 12140.
George was born on June 7, 1919, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Ernest Baker and Bertha Burmoister. He was a travel enthusiast and found his way to Poestenkill, NY where he met his wife, Florence (Schmidt) whom he married on September 28, 1947. They enjoyed 45 wonderful years of marriage, until her passing in 1992.
George was a World War II veteran, and honorably discharged from the Armed Forces Army Air Corps in 1945. He worked at Albany International Harvester Company, and was employed at Hudson Valley Community College until his retirement in 1983.
George and Florence built their house from the ground up, where they lovingly raised their three children. George and Florence loved spending time with their family, and many of their fondest memories included traveling around the country. He was honored to be selected to go on the Patriot Flight with his daughter, to visit Washington, D.C., and see the World War II memorial.
George was known for his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, love of life, and generosity to others. He always was willing to lend a hand to those in need, and had a jingle to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
He lovingly cared for his garden and looked forward to his daily walks. George was a man of many talents, and in his free time, he could be found participating in a wide range of activities, including playing cards with his friends and loved ones, woodworking, reading, and putting his talents to good use. Most of all, George loved to visit with his family, friends, and grandpuppies.
George was a faithful and active member of the Poestenkill Christian Church, the Poestenkill and Sand Lake Senior Citizen Groups, a member of the historical society in Poestenkill, and a former board member of the Poestenkill Hillside Cemetery.
George is survived by his son, Donald Baker, of Lewisville, North Carolina; his daughter Barbara and son-in-law Robert Rexford of Eagle Mills; and his daughter Betty Jean and son-in-law Perry Kaufmann of Brunswick. George was the proud and beloved grandfather of Kevin Baker, Huntsville, NC, Diana (Dustyn) Bucher, Wilkesboro, NC, Nicolle Kaufmann, Brunswick, NY; and Jason Kaufmann, San Diego, CA. He also is survived by three adorable great grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Audri Baker, and several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his wife Florence, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Mildred Schmidt and John and Betty Howard.
A funeral service for Mr. Baker will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home Inc., 2237 New York Route 7, located in Raymertown. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in Poestenkill. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday, from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. prior to the funeral service.
The family would like to thank George’s extended family at Van Rensselaer Manor for their care, kindness, and friendship; especially the C3 Unit.
Those wishing to remember George in a special way may make a donation to the Patriot Flight, Inc. at P.O. Box 190, Delmar, NY 12054 or at patriotflight.org or the Poestenkill Christian Church at 721 Snyder’s Corner Road, Poestenkill, NY 12140.
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