Melvin Baker, 67, of Grayslake, Ill., died just before midnight on Dec. 29, 2013, with his wife, Karen, by his side. He had spent his final days surrounded by his wife, two boys, his grandson, as well as countless numbers of family and friends.

Born Aug. 21, 1946, to George and Mary Angela Baker, Mel spent his early years in Minneapolis. After graduating from De La Salle High School in 1964 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Blue DD-744 out of Long Beach, Calif., during the Vietnam War. After finishing his enlistment in 1967, he enrolled at Dunwoody College in Minneapolis. Upon graduation from Dunwoody in 1969 he worked as an engineer in the refrigeration industry until his retirement in 2009.

On Aug. 21, 1976, Melvin married Karen Nelson of Albert Lea. They had two boys, Christopher and Michael, and one grandson, Christian Baker. Mel loved to hunt, fish, shoot skeet, drink coffee, drive slowly, socialize with friends and above all else spend time with his family.

Mel was preceded in death by his father, George; mother, Mary Angela; and his brother-in-law and best friend Bob Majerus.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons Christopher and Michael (Lindsey); grandson, Christian; sister, Angela; brother, Lowell (Debbie); and a large number of extended family and close friends.

A funeral service will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee, Ill. A second funeral service will be at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea on Monday. Visitation will start at 9 a.m. with the service starting at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations. Bonnerup Funeral Service is assisting the family.