Kimberly "K" Baker

FITCHBURG- We celebrate the life of Kimberly "K" Baker as she passed away peacefully after a nine year battle with a genetic disorder on July 6, 2016. She was born on July 30, 1957, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Cynthia and Barry Nelsen. Kimberly attended Wauwatosa West High School and graduated with a Psychology Degree from UW-Eau Claire. She met and married the love of her life, "Rick Baker" on June 22, 1996. Kimberly's strength, courage, and indomitable spirit were endless as her condition challenged her. She was admired and cherished by all who loved her. Kimberly was adored by and deeply loved her life mate and partner, who was ever present by her side as she fought daily against her condition. He was her best friend and she was his. She was such a proud, caring, and nurturing mother, and very loved by her son. Kimberly's courageous spirit and gentle soul will live on in him forever. She was a great friend to many throughout her life and especially to those who were so close to her during her later years. Kimberly was a comfort to them and gave of herself so completely and unselfishly as they learned to cope with her condition and what it would ultimately bring. "K" was the definition of class, professionalism, justice, and caring as many of her co-workers and the clients she worked with could tell you. She was highly respected by everyone in the Criminal Justice System where she worked for the majority of her life. Her mother, sisters, and extended family who loved her deeply, will miss her guidance, advice and caring concern. Kimberly had many loves, her cats that were very comforting to her always, her love of cooking and great food, the joy of entertaining, and her trips to the movies. So many wonderful things can be said about Kimberly and everyone would have something unique to say about her. But all knew about her quiet strength and the courage she exhibited over her lifetime. Quoting Mary Anne Rademacher-Hershey: "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, "I will try again tomorrow". Kimberly's strength and courage sustained her throughout her entire life and now she is finally at peace. Kimberly is survived by her husband and life partner, Bernard E "Rick" Baker of Fitchburg; their son, Graham (Krystal) Learned of Madison; her mother, Cynthia (Bruce) Snyder of Nokomis Fla.; her two sisters, Kris Nelsen of Milwaukee and Jill "JB" Hayden and husband of Howell, Mich.; along with nieces, a nephew and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, Barry Nelsen. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, at 3 p.m., on Saturday, July 16, 2016. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002