Belvidere, IllinoisRoger J. Baker, 63, of Belvidere, IL died early Friday morning, October 19, 2007 in his home after a three week illness. Roger was born January 18, 1944 in Cresco, Iowa the son of Jerome and Dorothy (DeWall) Baker. Following his high school graduation, Roger enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany from 1962 until his discharge in 1966. After Roger was discharged, he came to Belvidere to work for Chrysler. He started employment in 1967 and retired in 2002. He married Diane Brockman in Belvidere in July of 1967; to this union were born three children. In Roger's spare time he immersed himself in baseball. He enjoyed playing for the Belvidere Merchants and coaching Belvidere Youth Baseball. Roger was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Belvidere.Survivors include his wife, Diane of Belvidere; children, Kristine (Robert) Macrowski of Capron, Darcey Baker of Rockford, Philip Baker of Belvidere; grandchildren, Brett, Kevin and Dalton; sister, Karen (Dan) Knight of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and nephew, Robby Robinson. Roger was predeceased by his parents.

In care of Roger's family.