Vernon R. Baake

He was born on June 24, 1935 in Oneida, WI to the late Frederick and Grace (VanDenElzen) Baake. He graduated from Pulaski High School, class of 1953.

Vern married his high school sweetheart and lifelong love, Lucille "Lu" (Blasczyk) on August 14, 1954 in Pulaski, WI. He joined the Marine Corps and retired 20 years later in 1973. Vern then started his civilian career at Upjohn Pharmaceutical in Kalamazoo, MI and received his Bachelor's degree in Business. In 1986 they moved to Florida where he worked at the Kennedy Space Center for Lockheed Martin until his retirement in 1996. Vern and Lu have enjoyed many years traveling and enjoying life.

Vern was a proud Marine, a diehard Packer fan, and enjoyed exercising until the very end. He never met a stranger and if you were his friend, you were family.

Vern is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Lu, best doggie buddy Ginger, children and grandchildren: Cheryl (Kevin) Zimmerman- Amber (Bryan) Rojas, Ashley Beene, Alicia (Chris) Savela; Ron (Wendy) Baake- Kayla (Cade) Arndt; Rob (Kim) Baake- Bridget Wimsatt, Skylar Baake, Eric (Janessa) Baake; Lynn Santana- Christian Santana, Derek Santana; and in addition, has a legacy of 14+ great grandchildren.

Vern is preceded in death by his son Randy Baake, brother Marvin (Eldona) Baake, sister Carol (Gerald) Kaiser, brother Ron (Kathy) Baake, and grandson Dane Baake.

The gathering of family and friends for Vernon will be held Monday, January 29, 2024 at 1:30 PM with service to follow at 2pm at The Life Event Center At Florida Memorial. (5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955)

Following the service, the family invites you to continue celebrating Vern's life at the VFM Rocket Post (3250 US 1 Rockledge, FL)