J. Michael Baker

The memorial service for Mike will be livestreamed at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026. To view the livestream, please click on the following link: Ryan Funeral Home Madison - YouTube


J. Michael Baker passed away on December 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a life defined by dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he cared for.

Mike grew up on Madison’s east side and graduated from East High School in 1960, where he met the love of his life, Linda. His father passed away when he was very young, and as one of five children, he began working early to help support his family. He held several jobs as a teenager, including working at The Edgewater Hotel in downtown Madison. It was there that his remarkable work ethic began to take shape, doing whatever needed to be done to help his family, an ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

That same determination carried Mike into a successful career in life insurance before he discovered his true calling in real estate sales. Over the course of 55 years, he built an extraordinary career, starting with the Stark Company before joining First Realty as Vice President, later merging with Weber Realty to form First Weber Group. Respected by colleagues and trusted by clients, Mike’s professionalism, work ethic, and passion for the business left a lasting impact on the industry and all who worked alongside him.

A devoted husband and loving father, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Linda, and together they shared 64 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and family. He took great pride in being a father, mentor, and friend, always offering wisdom, guidance, and honest advice, even when it wasn't always what you wanted to hear.

Outside of work, Mike found his greatest joy at his home on Lake Wisconsin, where he loved spending time on his deck, boating, making memories, and enjoying the peace of the water. He also enjoyed spending time at their condo in Naples, Fl, their cabin in northern Wi and cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. Mike will be remembered for his stories, his steady presence, and the deep influence he had on his family, friends, and community.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Baker; his sons, Bart (Annisa) Baker and Michael (Kristy) Baker; his brothers, Philip and Robert Baker; his sisters, Linda Meyers and Bonnie (Terry) Simon; his grandchildren, Bryce (Emily) Baker, Taylor (Logan) Gordon, Brooke Baker, Sasha Peterson, Anna (Annie) Baker, Kylie Baker, Trisha (Justin) Bowers, and Tiffany Hoffmann; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Russell Baker, and his parents, Robert Baker and Marian LaVerne, and Lloyd Farr. 

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date at Lakeview Lutheran Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the Nurses and Doctors at UW/Meriter Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

To view Mike’s obituary or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.