Joseph J. Baca

Joseph J. Baca, age 81, of Savanna, Illinois, and formerly of Chicago, Burbank, and Brookfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna.

Born on February 20, 1943, in Chicago, Joe grew up, the son of Joseph and Francis Baca, and one of six siblings. He attended Reavis High School in Burbank, Illinois, where he was a member of the wrestling and football teams. Joe carried the lessons of teamwork and perseverance from his school years throughout his life.

On June 14, 1975, Joe married the love of his life, Eileen, and they began a beautiful partnership that spanned 49 years. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter, raising two children: Stephanie Baca of Rockwall, Texas, and Brian Baca of Brookfield, Illinois.

Joe was also a cherished brother to his sister, Josephine Mejia, and a loving brother-in-law to Dorothy Valerga Herrmann. He was preceded in death by his four other siblings, Amy, Aurora, Edna, and Joe Jr., who remained in his heart throughout his life.