Baker, Irene Virginia

Irene Virginia Baker, age 91 of Blanchardville, passed away on March 14th, 2026, at the Upland Hills Nursing & Rehab Center in Dodgeville, with her daughters by her side.

Irene was born in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin on March 12th, 1935, to Vernell & Clara (Lehnherr) Weck. She grew up on a farm in Brigham Township & attended Clay Hill School as well as Barneveld High School. As a young girl, Irene spent many hours helping on the farm and visiting the Campbell Cheese Factory with her grandfather, John Lehnherr, who was a cheesemaker. During that time, she also learned some of his wine-making skills. Irene's childhood was filled with simple joys, including many days spent attending home talent baseball games with her family. Her love for farming and cattle also took root early, beginning when her parents purchased a registered Holstein from Bakers Acres. Through that connection, she later met her life partner, Doug Baker. Doug and Irene were married on June 20th, 1951 in Perry Lutheran Church. They farmed together on the family farm in Moscow Township, Iowa County. Irene did it all on the farm—milking cows morning and night and spending long days in the fields cutting, raking, and baling hay. She could do the work of a man & had the qualities of a woman. Doug and Irene mentored and employed many young people, leaving a lasting impact by teaching the value of hard work and responsibility....... 'just don't ever be late.' In addition to farm life, Irene was a talented seamstress who created countless dance costumes as well as prom and bridesmaid dresses. Irene was an amazing life force, full of energy and feistiness. 

Beyond the farm, Irene was deeply involved in her community. She served on the Pecatonica School Board, was a Green County Ag Chest Dairy Queen Chairperson, a 4-H leader, and a member of the Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. She also coached girls community softball and was a member of the Go-Go Girls Tug-of-War team. Irene & Doug received an honorary FFA Chapter Degree and named as the oldest Green County dairy couple.

Irene is survived by her three daughters, Barbara (Tim) Ryan of Blanchardville, Bonnie Hodgson of Barneveld, and Blanche (Don) Vlasak of Blanchardville; nine grandchildren, Paula (Craig) Schuette, Brenda (Casey) Kite, Sara (Travis) Erickson, Heidi (Tim) Kovac, William (Amy) Hodgson, Inger (Dustin) Alfred, Vance(Caroline) Vlasak, Lee (Brooke) Vlasak, and Holly (Brenden) Martenson; nineteen great-grandchildren, Regan, Faye, Tatum, Quinten, Elliot, Tenley, Piper, Saylor, Brooke, Blair, Wynn, Waylon, Cheyenne, Lyla, Beau, Bear, Trip, Bryce, Lane; one brother & sister in law, Bob & Vicki Weck, and her dear friend & companion, Jim McKeon.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Doug Baker; her parents, Vernell & Clara (Lehnherr) Weck; grandparents, John & Annie(Schraepfer) Lehnherr & Christian & Karine (Peterson) Weck; sister, Ann (Ted) Theobald; brother in laws; Dr. F.W. Baker & wives (Isabel & Shirley) & Dr. Homer (Dovie) Baker; sister in law, Marion Baker Smyth Noble & husbands (Frank Smyth & George Noble) & son-in-law, Mark Hodgson.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. McGraw for the compassionate care she provided to Irene throughout the years. Thank you also to Upland Hills Nursing/Rehab & Hospice in Dodgeville for the wonderful tender loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family will use memorial gifts to establish a scholarship at Pecatonica High School in memory of Irene.

A funeral service for Irene Baker will be held on Friday, March 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Blanchard Hall, 204 S Main St, Blanchardville WI. Pastor Chris Strohm of New Hope Lutheran will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Blanchard Hall & before services on Friday, March 27th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. After the service, burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville, followed by a catered luncheon back at Blanchard Hall. Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com.