Linda JoAnne Baker, 76, of Burlington (previously West Burlington for the last 41 years), died Sunday, November 30, 2025, at her home in Burlington.
Born August 2, 1949, in Burlington, IA, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Wanda Shaefer Sourwine. On April 11, 1970, she married Harold Baker in Burlington, IA.
Linda was a longtime member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary and appreciated the friends she had there. She attended West Burlington United Methodist Church and looked forward to the faith and fellowship the church offered.
Linda enjoyed her family immensely. She loved taking family trips out west - camping in Yellowstone, trips to Arizona and Texas, or even just staying close to Burlington and visiting Lake Geode or other local spots. Camping was more often than not accompanied by playing cards, which was usually a competitive event. She also enjoyed passing the time with Sudoku puzzles and making jewelry for her family.
Linda loved seeing her grandkids play at their sporting events. She would attend as many as she could and would be a consistent supporting presence on the sidelines. Linda and Harold loved their grandkids deeply and allowed them to explore the world and learn; often with the parents coming to see grandma and grandpa and the grandchildren in a messy home filled with smiles.
Linda's love and kindness will be missed tremendously, but her memory will continue through her family and friends.
Survivors include husband of 55 years, Harold Baker; daughters, Melissa (Kenny) Pilger of Macomb, IL, and Carol Wirt of West Burlington; siblings, Raymond Sourwine, Robert Sourwine, and Sharon Hau; grandchildren, Hannah (Brandon) Ita, Allison (Andrew) Musholt, Dawson Wirt, and Jaydon Wirt; and great-grandchild, Oliver Musholt.
Sadly, Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Wanda.
Linda's family will receive guests for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at West Burlington United Methodist Church.
The funeral service for Linda will be 12:00 PM Thursday, December 4, 2025, at West Burlington United Methodist Church with Pastor Nancy Sutherland officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the church following the funeral service.
Memorial contributions in Linda's memory are suggested to the Des Moines County Humane Society.
Please continue to keep Linda's family in your thoughts during this difficult time