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

Leonore R. Gates-Baker

June 14, 1925 - February 09, 2024

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