Barbara J. Baker

PORTAGE – Barbara J. Baker, age 63, of Portage, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 22, 2016, at her home in Portage.

Barbara was born on April 7, 1952 in Hillsboro, the daughter of Alfred and Phyllis (Boggs) McGinnis.  She graduated from Kickapoo High School in 1970, and entered the Peace Corps, spending 4 years in Brazil.  Barbara then attended UW-Stout where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics.  She married Dennis L. Baker on June 14, 1980.  Barbara was a Social Worker and foster parent for many years, and was then employed by Walmart in Baraboo, Sun Prairie, and Portage for 21 years.  Her interests were sudoku, sewing, crocheting, knitting, cross stitch, playing cards, eating popcorn and drinking coffee.

She is survived by her children, Marissa (Jon) Paulsen, of Racine, Mari (Dan) Burdick, of Portage, Derek Baker, of Portage; her grandchildren, Cheyenne Baker, Alex Burdick, Owen Paulsen, Aaron Burdick, Parker Paulsen; her mother, Phyllis McGinnis of LaFarge; her mother-in-law, Lillian Wysocki of Portage; her sisters and brothers, Judy McGinnis of La Crosse, Dale (Connie) McGinnis of Viola, Dan (JoAnn) McGinnis, of LaFarge, and Dawn Wemmer of Richland Center, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Baker, her father, Alfred McGinnis, her niece Amanda McGinnis, her brother-in-law, James Wemmer, and her father-in-law, Leo Baker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016 at CrossPoint Assembly of God in Portage with Pastor Randy Mantik and Pastor Jon Paulsen co-officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.