Gertrud Maria Baker, nee Velten, age 74, formerly of O'Fallon, born April 11, 1935 in Bernkastel-Kues, Germany to Ernst Karl Velten and Anna Maria Baumgart Velten, passed away July 20, 2009 in Toulon, Ill., near her daughter's home.

Gertrud married Robert E. Baker, Sr., on December 13, 1955 at Trier Air Base, Germany. They moved to O'Fallon in the 1960's when her husband was stationed at Scott AFB. Together they raised four children and owned and operated the Brass Lantern in Belleville. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her home was always open for a good, hot cup of coffee, sweet treats, and conversation. She will be sorely missed.

Gertrud was preceded in death by her dear husband SSgt Robert E. Baker, Sr., USAF (retired) her parents, and her brother Karl Velten.

She is survived by her four children, Mary Robinson of St. Louis, Mo, Robert E. Baker, Jr., of Fort Worth, Texas, Luci (Keith Kaiser) Schmidt of Neponset, Ill., and Ernie (Janet) Baker of Fredericksburg, Va.; her brother, Gernot Velten, her sister-in-law, Annie Velten, both of Germany; her beloved grandchildren Jennifer, Jessica, Geoffrey, Jared, Brandy, Rory, Cameron, and Luke; and great grandchildren, Grace, Sophia, and Alyssa.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 9374 Olive Blvd., Suite 101, St. Louis, MO 63132-3253 and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Friday, July 24, 2009, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon and from 9:00 – 10:00 am, Saturday, July 25, 2009 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross Street, Shiloh.

Funeral Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2009 at St. Clare Catholic Church, with Rev. James Deiters presiding. Interment will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery.