A private family funeral will be Saturday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Burial will follow in Minonk Township Cemetery. The Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh will officiate.

Dennis was born Nov. 5, 1949, at Bloomington, a son of H. Ray and Dorothy Geeding Baker.

Survivors include his lifetime companion of 25 years, Esther Spencer; one son, Shawn Baker, Hopedale; one granddaughter, Kaitlin Baker, Hopedale; three sisters, Sandy (Jeff Slavens) Hinrichsen, Weston; Linda (Ed) Friend, El Paso; and Julie (Hank) Hollensteiner, East Peoria; several nieces, nephews, and a great-niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dennis was a Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the El Paso VFW Post 6026.

He was an avid NASCAR fan, and he wanted the most from life. He had several occupations before he became disabled, the last of which he was self-employed. With each job he was 100 percent committed. His most valuable commitment was to the people he loved. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.