Leonore R.  Gates-Baker

Leonore R. Gates-Baker

June 14, 1925 - February 09, 2024

Obituary

MADISON - Leonore R. Gates-Baker, age 98, of Madison, Wis., passed away on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Oakwood East Meadows. She was born on June 14, 1925, on the family farm in Beetown, Wis., the daughter of Frederick and Emma (McNielly) Gates. Being that she was born on Flag Day, she always thought the flag was put out for her birthday.


Leonore graduated from Prairie Du Chein High School. She married Edwin L. Baker in 1946. During World War II Leonore worked at Rayovac manufacturing batteries. She also worked in the retail food service for Buck’s Pizza on Cottage Grove Road. For many years, she ran the kitchen at Bethel Lutheran Church for church events, including funeral lunches.


Leonore loved her family, church and community. She also enjoyed finishing ceramics, playing cards and Tripoli. She also loved traveling and visited many countries in Europe.


Leonore is survived by her two sons, Mark E. Baker of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Todd (Diane) Baker of Sun Prairie, Wis.; daughter, Jane (Chuck) Pomazal of Dixon, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Matt, Greg, Dan, Ryan, Oliver, Jennifer, Anna, Carl and Sarah; eight great-grandchildren, Simon and Sawyer, Joey, Kasey, Henry, Bryson, Emric and Kaden. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Joseph, Gertrude and Donna; and husband, Edwin.


A funeral service will be held at OAKWOOD VILLAGE EAST CHAPEL, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, with Chaplain Wayne Shannon presiding. Leonore will be laid to rest next to her husband, Edwin L. Baker at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at Oakwood from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
 

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leonore’s name to Agrace HospiceCare and/or Oakwood Foundation.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

15
Visitation
Thu Feb 15, 2024 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge • 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, WI 53718
15
Funeral Service
Thu Feb 15, 2024 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge • 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, WI 53718
15
Graveside Service
Thu Feb 15, 2024 @ 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
DB
Diane Baker
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Shared a photo.
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Jennifer Kayser
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When I think of Lee, the first word that comes to mind is Spitfire! She always made me smile and would get me laughing every time we were together. Whether we were making breakfast, balancing the checkbook, flipping mattresses, or just watching TV- it was a good time. I felt fortunate to be her trusted friend for the few years that we had together. I remember how her eyes would just twinkle as she talked and told stories about her past and her children, whom she was so very proud of, and her grandchildren, who she would get so excited to see. When great grandchildren started coming, she was so tickled and took great joy in showing me their pictures and how much they grew between each one. Sending thoughts and prayers to the Baker family! Jennifer K.
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Kelsey Olson
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Leonore was great friends with my grandma, Joyce Meinholz. I have fond memories of Leonore from my childhood & think of her just about every time I think of grandma. She had the sweetest puffy cheeks and kind eyes when she smiled. I'm sorry for the whole families loss of a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Leonore!
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Ryan Rothfelder (Baker)
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Grandma meant the world to me. Her passion for baking and cooking were instilled in me at a young age. We both enjoyed making Christmas cookies beyond anyone's expectations, even our own. I will never forget the smile in her face, the laugh, and twinkle in her eyes. Some of the best memories I have are having fish dinners with friends and family. I will miss her forever.
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Sue Marking
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Family of Lee Baker I knew your mom from activities at Bethel, and also from ordering pizza at Bucks. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Mark, you are the only one I knew from youth group at Bethel. take care. Sue Masshardt Marking

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