Marlet Jane Baecker

Marlet Jane Baecker, age 89, of Waumandee, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Winona Health while surrounded by her loving family with the comfort of Deacon Ed Wendt and and Father Brian Jazdzewski. She was born on October 14, 1927 in the Town of Montana, Buffalo County, WI one of five children born to the late Lester and Rose (Allemann) Krueger. Marlet was baptized at the Montana United Methodist Church. As a child, Marlet attended Buell’s Valley School and later attended Cochrane High School where she graduated as Salutatorian of her class. While in the Montana Pioneers 4-H Club, she met LaVerne “Gabby” Baecker who became her devoted and loving husband on May 22, 1947 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee. To this beloved union, five children were born. Together, Marlet and Gabby began to farm on his home farm and then in 1954 moved to Buell’s Valley, where together they worked hard to create Baecker Farms, Inc. Marlet enjoyed being a farm wife and mother, providing a secure and loving home. She was wonderful at driving tractor, nurturing a bountiful garden and was devoted to feeding calves. Being steadfast in her faith, she was committed to instilling values of love and respect for faith, family, friends and farming to their children and grandchildren. One way she did this was by being an amazing hostess who opened and truly welcomed many friends and family into her home for a good old-fashioned farm meal throughout the years. In 1990, they moved to Waumandee and continued to enjoy daily trips to the farm. Gabby preceded Marlet in death on May 2, 1995. Marlet was a faithful parishioner of St. Boniface Catholic Church, where she served the church in several capacities, most notably as a Sacristan, a member of the St. Theresa’s group of the Holy Rosary Altar Society and volunteered for the Feed My People food pantry. Even though her life was dedicated to family and farming, she did find time to serve as the Town of Montana Clerk and Treasurer. She also was actively involved with the Waumandee Area Lions Club. Marlet will be missed by her children, Robert (Sharon) of Town of Montana, Kathleen “Kay” (Michael) Dailey of Dakota, MN, Bernard of Waumandee, Bruce (Sandy) of Town of Montana, Brenda (Willie) Pronschinske of Waumandee; grandchildren, Dr. Mya (Dr. Mark) Groza, Marissa (fiancé Bryce Pechak) Baecker, Darcy Baecker, McKenzie Baecker, Mariah (boyfriend, Wesley Witt) Baecker, Mason (girlfriend, Meghan Wenger) Baecker; step grandchildren, Sara (Dan) Wick, Erinn (Jeremy) Meier, Joseph (Sara) Lisowski; great grandson, Paul Michael Groza; step great grandchildren, Morgan Mueller and Mariah, Addison and Cassidy Wick, Jerin, Elizabeth, Grady Meier and Evelyn and Eleanor Lisowski; three siblings, Shirley Rosenow, Charles (Sandy) Krueger and JoAnn (Bruce) Schaffner; sisters in law, Betty Baecker, Marlene Baecker and Marvilla (Al) Zittel; her godchildren, Donald Allemann, Bernard Theisen, Kristine Pehler, and Ryan Krueger; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her special little companions, dog Tesla and cat, Monkey Man. Besides her parents, Marlet was preceded in death by her husband, Gabby, infant sister, Lois and special Swiss son, Alois “Wisi” Bragger. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee with Marlet’s cousin, Father Robert Horihan as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Parish Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5 at 12:00PM to 4:00 PM with a prayer service at 2:00 PM. Visitation will also be held on Monday at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of the Mass.