William H. Baker, 88, of Oak Park, died on Dec. 1, 2025. Born on May 24, 1937 and raised in Hyde Park, he was a proud alum of Knox College, and a graduate of the University of Chicago Medical School. He met the love of his life, Ann, while attending Knox, and they enjoyed more than 65 years together in marriage. He served in Vietnam at the 85th Evacuation Hospital. He was a distinguished surgeon and scholar, spending the majority of his career at Loyola Medical Center. He enjoyed life with gusto and was equally happy in a tux with a fine glass of wine or in an old pair of pants with an MGD. A prolific reader, he loved photography, music, playing golf and tennis, riding his bike, and telling corny jokes. After retirement, he invested much time and energy into writing op-eds. He will be missed dearly.
Bill was the husband of Ann, nee Velde; the father of Elizabeth (David Lupo) Baker, Jennifer (Laura Angelucci) Baker and Kriste Baker; grandfather of Veronica (Jason) Winnell, Jamie Heneghan, Tricia Heneghan and Sydney Lupo; great-grandfather of Brody, Aubrey and Bryce; brother of Robert (Susie) Baker; and the uncle of many.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Knox College Baker-Velde Student Research Fund, named to honor Ann and Bill’s fathers, who were also Knox College alums.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at the Oak Park Country Club. Arrangements were handled by Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home.