Michael Paul Baka

Mike was born on May 13,1962 in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Paul Baka and Diane Baka (Leitheiser). He grew up in West Bend, Wisconsin and has lived in several places throughout the US. Since 2022, Mike has called Arizona home.

Mike proudly served his country in the US Navy on the USS Flasher SSN-613. After the Navy, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University and an MBA from Marquette University. He spent most of his adult life as an Operations Executive in the manufacturing industry.

"Sailor, rest your oars, your watch has ended. Your brothers of the “Phin” have the watch. Fair winds and following seas."

Mike was an avid learner and had a passion for astronomy, travel, foreign languages and good whiskey. He was a dedicated Boy Scout leader for many years and served on the board of YoungLife Ozaukee.

He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Baka and stepfather Harley Ekvall.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Baka (Sanregret), sons Keith Baka, Kyle Williams, and Nathan Williams, mother, Diane Ekvall, sister Jackie Caplinger (Baka) and brother-in-law Roger Caplinger, brother Mark Baka and sister-in-law Sheila Baka, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank Barrow Neurological Institute, Neurosurgery, Neuro Oncology, and Radiation Oncology for the excellent care he received and Assisteo Home Health and Hospice of the Valley for the care and compassion they showed our family in Mike’s final days.

Services are being planned to take place at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. To send expressions of sympathy to Mike‘s family, or upload a photograph, or to share fond memories with the Baka family please visit www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com.

In honor of Mike please consider making a donation to https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/MichaelBaka