Arlene Baker

Arlene Joyce Baker (nee Robertson) passed away peacefully at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the age of 87. Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, James G. Baker, Sr., of Scottsdale, AZ, and Brookfield and Fish Creek, WI. She was also preceded in death by their two children, Deborah and Scott, and two grandchildren, Adam Baker and James G. Baker III. Arlene is survived by, and will be deeply missed by, her children James G. Baker Jr., (Brianne), Ann Camillo (Chip), Jon Baker, Laura Hoff (Hank), Claudia Baker, Jennifer Baker Johnson, Michael Baker, Amy Wambold (Brian) and former daughter-in-law Debra Baker. She was a proud, loving and generous grandmother to Ana Baker, Andrew Camillo, Alexa Camillo, Kimberly Hoff, Henry Hoff III, Samantha Johnson, Sierra Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Carter Quiroz, Emily Baker, Elle Baker, Hannah Wambold and Haley Wambold, and great-grandchildren, Cassidy Tollervey, Charlotte (Charlie) Baker and Naomi Baker. Also surviving are other relatives and friends.

Arlene was born into this life on July 14th, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the beloved daughter of Elenore A. Robertson (nee Kuptz) and John (Jack) Robertson, and cherished niece of Jerald and Margaret Kuptz.

A 1951 graduate of Riverside High School in Milwaukee, Arlene was an avid swimmer and volleyball player, and enjoyed ice skating and spending time with her friends and cousins. Arlene attended Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Arlene met her husband when she applied to work the ticket counter at his family’s Peerless Theatre. She then moved to the candy counter, where she promptly burned her first batch of popcorn! After that, though, it was smooth sailing. In 1956, together they established the well-known, beloved, and highly respected WFMR 96.5 classical FM music station. Arthur Fiedler, long-time conductor for the Boston Pops, listened to Baker’s programs when visiting Milwaukee and read the program guides every month. They proudly printed these guides in the basement of their east side home at night after putting their many young children to bed. In 1950, the family purchased Curtis Ambulance Service from the original Curtis brothers. Curtis Ambulance, dating back to the horse and buggy days of 1858, is the oldest operating private ambulance service in the United States. On Feb. 6th, 1970, Curtis Ambulance provided the first civilian medical helicopter transport in the State of Wisconsin, the predecessor to Flight For Life. The Bakers’ many other achievements also include the first on-field Advanced Life Support response team in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers. Their company was also a pioneer in high-risk neo-natal transfers for Wisconsin and the Midwest. This system remains in effect today. In 1984, Arlene and James purchased Professional Medical Transport, Inc. (PMT Ambulance) of Phoenix, Arizona. Both Curtis Ambulance and PMT became leaders in developing and operating an Emergency Medical Transportation service that was conducted with integrity and a commitment to patient care.

Arlene was an avid and life-long animal lover, birder, photographer and cook, and shared her love and passions with many friends and relatives. She also enjoyed traveling the world, visiting Mexico, Brazil (swimming in the Amazon), China, Japan, Germany (and Octoberfest) several times, Austria, Italy, England, Scotland and Wales, throughout Canada and across the U.S. A woman of faith, she supported many charities, including the Catholic church, St. Vincent de Paul, wildlife associations, infants and children, and homeless women.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Badger Prairie Health Care Center and SSM Care Center for their excellent care of our mom. Visitation is at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday, September 17th, 2021, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM with a funeral service immediately following. Burial is at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Donations may be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Association, the Audubon Society, or the charity of your choice.