Neal Alvin DeBaker, 80, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully with family at his side on November 24, 2022, at Bay View Senior Care in Sturgeon Bay. He was born September 10, 1942, in Kewaunee County to Alvin and Clara (O’Leary) DeBaker.
Neal graduated from Luxemburg High School in 1960 and then enlisted to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He served for 3 years, stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. On June 5, 1964, he married Suzanne M. Perry in Sturgeon Bay. After marrying Sue, they settled in Door County where they established DeBaker Acres. For many years they grew strawberries, cherries, apples, and raspberries.
Neal worked for the Door County Sheriff’s Department, was a truck driver for Foreway Express out of Green Bay, sold cars for Bergstrom’s, and then sold homes for Eugene Remy until he retired. Neal also served on the Door County Board of Supervisors and the Southern Door School Board. He enjoyed working on and “tinkering” with farm equipment and vacationing on Marco Island in Florida. Neal always enjoyed the companionship of his dogs.
Survivors include his wife; four children, Bryan (Julie), Paul (Laurie), Barry (Leslie), and Eric (Jodi); 7 grandchildren, Katie (Nathan) Hamberg, Devin DeBaker, Matt (fiancé, Katie) DeBaker, Darren (Mariah) DeBaker, Logan DeBaker, Jessica (Austin) Hoeckendorff, and Tyrus DeBaker; four great-grandchildren, Morgan, Logan, Landen, and Weston; siblings, Roy (Betty) DeBaker, Janet Willems, Caroline Marks, Roger (Sheila) DeBaker, and Sally (Steve) Drab; sister-in-law Mabel DeBaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Alden and in-laws, Jim Willems and Everett Marks.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Tuesday. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. Forbes Funeral Home in assisting the family. On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfuneralhome.com
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