Wilma M. Baker

NORFOLK -- Funeral service for Wilma M. Baker, 93, of Norfolk will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Norfolk. Rev. Bridget Gately will be officiating the service. Interment will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Wilma passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at the Heritage of Bel-Air Nursing Home in Norfolk. The service will be live-streamed on the church's Facebook page at Norfolk First United Methodist Church Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to be distributed to several organizations at a later date. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Wilma was born November 3, 1930 in Fairmont, NE to Elmer and Margaret (Boren) Priefert., the second of three children. Wilma grew up on a farm without electricity or running water and had many adventures. She attended a country school, walked, rode a horse, or drove a buggy pulled by a horse. She lived through the depression and a World War by the time she graduated from high school. Wilma attended Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE and graduated with a teaching degree in 1950. She taught 3rd grade at Emerson grade school in Kearney, NE. Wilma married Robert “Bob” Baker on May 27, 1952 in Fairmont, NE. The couple had four children: Cindy, Laurie, Rich, and Tricia. The family lived in Kearney, Minden, Cozad, Bloomfield, and Norfolk. An important part of Wilma’s life was her membership in the Sisterhood of PEO, she held many offices within this organization and was an active member of Chapter GS in Norfolk. Wilma said "No matter where I lived, I knew I would always have friends because of PEO". Wilma was also involved with 4-H and the Girl Scouts. She was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church. Wilma's life was centered around her husband and children and later, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had tremendous love for each and every one of them, and dropped everything to help when their mother's called her for aide. She holds a place in each of their hearts. Family was extremely important to Wilma and she was devoted to her parents and aunts and uncles, making many trips to Oregon after Bob's retirement to visit relatives. Wilma loved music and was an accomplished pianist. She had beautiful flower gardens until she left her home in 2013 following the death of her husband. Wilma was always cheerful and positive no matter how she really felt. Survivors include children: Cindy (Jim) Mohl of Norfolk, Laurie (Steve) Ninegar of Elm Creek, Richard (Patty) Baker of Gretna, Tricia (Scott) Nathan of Norfolk, six grandchildren: Cori (Jason) Kollmar, Joe (Kelly) Kuk, Zach (Kaitlin) Nathan, Sam (Caitie) Ninegar, Chris (Sophie) Baker, Travis (Liza) Baker, seven great-grandchildren: Kaia Kollmar, Paige Kollmar, Lindyn Kuk, Lake Kuk, Ruby Baker, Keegan Nathan, and Kinzley Nathan. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Bob on August 26, 2013, her parents Elmer and Margaret, 2 siblings Neil and his wife Jean Priefert, Vivienne Loge, niece Linda Priefert Carroll, son-in-law Robert Kuk, great -grandson Duke Baker, and sister-in-law Laurel Baker. Casket bearers will be Cori Kollmar, Joe Kuk, Zach Nathan, Sam Ninegar, Chris Baker, and Travis Baker. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Wilma M. Baker

November 3, 1930 - December 31, 2023