Eva Jane Baker

Eva Jane (Dolesy) Baker, age 97, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in La Crosse, WI. She was born May 5th, 1927, at Shady Glen near Hixton, WI to Fred and Adeline (Schnick) Dolesy. 

She attended rural schools at Snow Creek, Halcyon and Wrightsville. She graduated from Black River Falls High in 1945. She was employed at Gateway Products for 39 years until it closed in 1984. While there, she was the recording secretary and chairperson of Trustees for Local 175. She was later employed at The Company Store, retiring in June of 1995.

She married Duane F. Baker on August 19, 1950. He preceded her in death on May 20, 2001. To this union were born 2 children: daughter Sharon (Sherry) and son Scott.

Eva was a member of Faith UMC and Women of the Moose. She was a lifelong Packer fan and loved to gamble. Eva was often described as a “firecracker” for her sense of humor and independence. She also had a sweet tooth and enjoyed playing cards with her family.

There was a special bond between Eva and her 1st grandchild, Dylan. They made up their own games and spent many hours laughing and playing. Dylan was reluctant to share his grandma when granddaughter Kelsie was born. By the time Kelsie was 3, she was also Grandma’s playmate. Next came grandson Daniel, who completed Grammy’s trio. It was common for the grandchildren to shout, “Come on Grandma, let’s play!” whenever they would come to visit. 

Eva is survived by her children: Sherry (Tim) Olson and Scott (Karen) Baker; three grandchildren: Dylan (Brianna) Baker, Kelsie Olson, and Daniel (Morgan Stelter) Baker, and one brother, Freddie (Donna) Dolesy, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Duane; brothers: Osborne, Kenneth, and Charles Dolesy; sisters: Hazel Nerby, Ethel Yeske, Phyllis Relyea, and Carol Matson.

A private family burial will be held, and a Celebration of Life will be announced later. Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Eagle Crest South Memory Care 1 staff for the loving care Eva received over the last 2.5 years, especially Nikki, Megan K., Taylor, Chloe, Janice, and many others. And thank you to Gundersen Hospice for your support over the last few months.

After Glow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.