Obituary

Rachel Elizabeth Baker nee Weinrich was born 5 December 1978 to William and Barbara Weinrich. She was baptized into the holy Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at Zion Lutheran Church, later she was confirmed and communed in that church. Rachel graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School (1997), and in 2001 received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion from Purdue University (2001). While at Purdue she played saxophone in the Purdue Marching Band. Upon graduation Rachel continued her studies in Health Promotion at Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts, receiving the Masters degree in that discipline. Thereafter, Rachel worked as a highly regarded health and wellness coach with Community Health Network in Indianapolis. She married Jason Baker, who became her best friend, and they were blessed with one daughter, Alexandra Renee.

Many are known for great works. However, for Rachel we must speak of a life dedicated to simple, yet profound, things. Rachel radiated a loving warmth and never knew a stranger. Indeed, if ever there was a trait which characterized Rachel, it was a compassionate empathy for all she met. Her professional work was as a diabetic counselor. In that role she gave medical guidance. Yet more, in and through that work Rachel made friends, lots of them, who became devoted to Rachel for the love and encouragement which she had given to them. She loved her home and the daughter, Alex, who shared it with her. She enjoyed her dogs, Sheba and Stricker, and flowers and all beautiful things. In simple things she took delight, and she was rewarded by an uncommon and dedicated friendship of many. She never met a stranger. How true!

One must mention Rachel's deep love for Alexandra. Her daughter was the joy of her life and she was so very proud of Alex. They enjoyed a close and mutual love, and, in Rachel's motherly guidance and discipline, there was a wonderful play.

Rachel is preceded in death by her mother, Barbara, and is survived by her father, William Weinrich; her sister, Rebecca Bekkenutte (husband Rob; sons Matthew, Thomas); her brother, John Weinrich (wife, Peggy; son Theodore); her best friend and father of Alex, Jason Baker; and daughter, Alexandra Renee.

There remains but this to be said: He who is infinite in power is also infinite in grace, mercy and love. Indeed, God manifests most purely his power through his mercy and love. We, therefore, commit Rachel into the arms of our Heavenly Father, whose mercy, manifested in the cross of His Son, Christ Jesus, is unbounded and everlasting.

Funeral Service for Rachel is 11 am, Friday, May 2, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, 2313 S. Hanna Street, with calling one hour prior. Calling also on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery Gardens in Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to her daughter Alexandria's Education Fund in care of William Weinrich.

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