Baker, Curtis 'Curt' Lee

Curtis “Curt” Lee Baker, 53, of Hiawatha, passed away Nov. 11, 2013, at home after a short illness. By Curt's request, he was cremated and there will be no visitation or services. He will be privately laid to rest at a later date.

He was born to Royce and Nancy (Ottersen-Clendening) Baker on Sept. 21, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He grew up in Hiawatha and attended Kennedy High School. He married Tamela Connell in 1982, resided in Marion, and they had two children, Daniel and Jessica Baker.

Curt is survived by his wife, Debra (Bevins) Baker, who he married in 1997; his two children, Daniel of Tennessee and Jessica (Rockie) Thompson of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Zander, Royce and Olivia Thompson; his parents; and two sisters, Kristen (Gary) Flannagan and Holly (Donald) Howard.

He thoroughly enjoyed his job as a maintenance engineer. He loved the challenge of a mechanical or electrical problem as he possessed an uncanny ability to analyze and solve any difficult situation.

He loved riding his motorcycle and had made many memorable, long trips touring the United States visiting family and friends.

He had great respect for the elderly ones in his life and always found time to give them a helping hand or to just visit with them for a while.

We believe they, along with his friends who passed before him, were there to greet him. He will be missed.

Curt gave the gift of life through the Iowa Donor Network.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com.

Published Nov. 14, 2013 in The Gazette

Updated; republished Nov. 15, 2013 in The Gazette