MIDDLETON / CROSS PLAINS - Dr. Edward "Ted" Baker, age 101, of Middleton / Cross Plains died on Friday, September 11, 2026. He was born on May 30, 1925, in Eagle, Wis., the son of William and Agnes (Dow) Baker.

Ted attended a one room rural school in the Town of Troy, Walworth County, Whitewater College High School, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Kansas State University where he received his degree in veterinary medicine.

While a student at Kansas State he married Patricia Fitzgerald at the campus chapel. Ted and Pat enjoyed 52 years of loving companionship until her death in 2002. They jointly shared a love for nature and their many fishing trips to Canada.

Ted began work for the State of Wisconsin in 1956 and held various positions with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the last being administrator of the State Meat Inspection Program.

Ted is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Sally (Chris) Vaught and Jenny (James) Linley; grandchildren and their spouses, Branden (Kim) Linley, Nathan (Fazila) Linley, Erin (Jase) Holland and Thomas (Lindsey) Vaught; sisters-in-law, JoAnne Fitzgerald and Christa Wimmers; eight great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to the death of his wife and parents, Ted was preceded in death by his in-laws, Raymond and Christabelle Fitzgerald; his sisters and their spouses, Alberta (Phil) Hanna, Florence (Robert) Kidd, Rachel (Warren) Reich and Mary Elizabeth Baker; brother, Robert Baker; and brothers-in-law, Robert and Jerry Fitzgerald.

Ted belonged to several civic and professional organizations and was especially supportive of those working for conservation and preservation of natural resources. He enjoyed dining together with family and friends and playing euchre at senior centers. Thanks to a very special friend, Mary Remsbottom, many pleasurable years were spent enjoying her delicious lunches followed with challenging games of Cribbage and Scrabble.

Ted requested no services be held. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 and The Nature Conservancy, 25 W. Main St., Suite 111, Madison, WI 53703. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Dr. Edward "Ted" Baker

May 30, 1925 - September 11, 2026

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