Obituary of Larry Baker

Larry J. Baker, 77, of rural North English, died Wednesday, July 26, 2017, with his family at his side at the Briarwood Care Center in Iowa City.

Larry James Baker was born September 8, 1939, in Iowa City, the son of John L and Mona M. (Hewitt) Baker.  Following high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam War and retiring after 20 years of service to his country. He returned to this area where he got a job at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, again retiring after 20 years of service to veterans and their families.

Larry married Phyllis Mae Herbel on January 11, 1968, in Creston, Iowa.  In their retirement years they enjoyed wintering in warmth of the sun, getting away from the cold.  But Larry would always say, “there was no place like home”! Home was where his family was, and everyone knew that his family was his world.

His family includes his wife, Phyllis; children, Jeff Baker (Debra) of Conroy; Phil Baker (DeLisa) of Kalona; and Amy Tapken (Matt) of North English; 6 grandchildren, Jake, Jack, Emma, Jesse, William and Daniel; sisters, Margaret Hardisty of Corning; Shirley Calvin, Catherine Bristow and Sue Baker all of Creston and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Walter and Goldie Herbel; brothers, Jack and Dick Baker; and brothers-in-law, Kenny Calvin, Riley Bristow and Darwin Hardisty.

Larry wished for simple family gathering at this time to share and support one another.  No public services are being planned.  If you wish to share a memorial donation, these funds will be used to support activities important to Larry and his family.  If you wish to share a thought, memory or condolence please go to the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Larry’s family and his arrangements.