Joe Baker, a tattoo artist and 29-year Haines resident, died Jan. 23 at his home in Port Edwards, Wis. He was 59 and had been diagnosed with brain cancer in December, said wife Jocelyn Baker.

Baker, who was orphaned for several years as a child, found a family and home in Wisconsin, where he was known for cooking large meals for his extended family on holidays and special occasions.

"We had some pretty good years," said Jocelyn Baker. "As a child he never got that family bonding thing that most people get."

Besides tattooing, listening to music was Baker's lifelong passion, his wife said. "As a young boy he heard music on his dad's radio. He always loved music after that. He loved to record and play old music. He'd just sit and listen to music and record it on his computer."

Joseph E. Baker was born Dec. 24, 1957 at St. Anne's Hospital in Juneau, one of five children of Mary King and Carl Baker. When his parents split up, Joe and two brothers became wards of the state, said older brother Ed Baker of Haines.

In 1970, Joe came to Haines, reuniting with his mother. He lived here through 1999, working locally as a tattoo artist, operating out of a room in a house on Third Avenue.

"He used to draw real good, then he decided on tattooing. A friend of his got him turned on to that," his wife said.

Longtime friend and former resident Ray Lewis Sr. of Palmer said Baker suffered health issues early in his life and spent a lot of time talking and visiting. "He took care of himself as best he could. He was a very good man."

Joe and Jocelyn met in 1988. They married in Anchorage in 2000, when he moved permanently to central Wisconsin.

Adopted daughter Misty Bauer said Baker was an excellent host who liked to throw parties, cooking favorite recipes like salsa chicken and prime rib days in advance of celebrations. Bauer said Baker also taught tattooing and sometimes allowed his students to create skin art on him.

"He was the most caring, heartfelt guy you'd ever meet. He'd do anything for anybody, stranger or not," Bauer said.

A memorial service was held Jan. 28 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Baker was preceded in death by his parents and by brother Jay Baker. He is survived by siblings Edward Baker of Haines, Jerry Baker of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Jeanette Delfay of Rainier, Wash. He also is survived by children John Baker of Ashland, Wis., Joe L. Baker of Port Edwards, and Elizabeth Baker of Stevens Point, Wis.

Surviving stepchildren and adopted children include Kaylin O'Donnell of Providence, R.I., Kristy Koch of Marinette, Wis., Kitty Jo Franck of Ladysmith, Wis., Misty Bauer of Aurburndale, Wis., and Roxanne Hooper, Matt Franck, Joanie Smith, all of Wisconsin Rapids.

Cards and letters can be sent to Edward Baker, P.O. Box 1258, Haines and to Jocelyn Baker, 351 Lavigne Ave., Port Edwards, Wis., 54469.