Everett T. Baker, age 92, of Eau Claire, died peacefully on July 15, 2013, at Oakwood Villa Nursing Home in Altoona. He was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska on January 6, 1921, to Edward and Bessie (Deardorff) Baker. He married Ione A. Gilbertson on August 21, 1943 in Eau Claire. After graduating from Alliance High School in Alliance, Nebraska, Everett enlisted in the United States Army. He served during WWII with the 602nd Tank Destroyer Battalion in the European Theatre as an M-8 armored car driver. He was awarded a Bronze Star X4 and survived the Battle of the Bulge. Returning to Eau Claire, he and Ione settled into the family home on Forest Street. Everett was employed at the local paper mill for over 30 years. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church, where he and Ione made many dear friends. He had a gift of making friends with everyone wherever he went. After retiring, they enjoyed golf, traveling, and especially spending time with their family. He was an unselfish man who put his family before himself. Making the holidays special for the extended Gilbertson family brought Everett much joy. On May 12, 2012, Everett traveled to Washington, D.C. aboard a Freedom Honor Flight. He was particularly impressed by the WWII Memorial, which he called "Our Memorial." He described this as one of the best days of his life, and he was extremely thankful for the experience. Everett is survived by his two sons, Jeffery (Charlien) Baker of Pinedale, AZ and Michael (Karen) Baker of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Ali (Rodney) Fentress, Jamison (Kabao) Baker, Megan Baker, and Tore Baker; great-grandsons, Charlie & Dylan Curtis and Austin & Jacob Baker. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ione. Visitation will be from 4 to 7PM on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire. Funeral Service will be at 11AM on Thursday, July 18, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Pastors Michael Rehak and Lowell Halvorson will be officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, with Military Honors conducted by Eau Claire American Legion Post #53. Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703 or Freedom Honor Flight, P.O. Box 505, LaCrosse WI, 54602-0505.

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