After 23 years, Tub Baker retires from Graue Chevrolet
Send a link to a friend
[June 30, 2024]
Friday
afternoon Graue Chevrolet in Lincoln offered Tub Baker a great send
off as Baker enjoyed his last day with the dealership with an
afternoon reception.
Baker has been with the dealership for 23 years, leaving the
dealership after working in the service department. He enjoyed
visitors who were customers and friends he has made over the years.
Among those visitors was one special guest whose attendance was
orchestrated as a special surprise for Baker.
Dealership owner/manager Chris Graue explained the special
relationship a gentleman named Nelson had with the dealership in
general and Baker Specifically. Nelson for many years lived in the
immediate area of Graue’s and he made daily visits, most of the time
multiple times, to the dealership. He formed a special friendship
with Baker and many other close friendships at Graue.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Jul/01/images/ads/current/siu_sda_050324.png)
However, a few years ago, Nelson moved to the Tinley
Park area. Graue explained that Nelson’s mother lived in that area,
his father was deceased, and he decided he wanted to live closer to
his mom.
As Baker was preparing for his last day of work, Graue said he
thought it would be nice to surprise him with a visit from Nelson.
He said it took some effort as there was a need to arrange for a
driver to bring him to Lincoln and also a driver to take him home at
the end of the day. But it all came together, and Nelson arrived
just as the reception was beginning.
Baker said he was surprised and very happy to see Nelson. He
remembered that for several years, Nelson came to the dealership
just as Baker was getting to work. It was Nelson’s joy to each
morning fix Baker a cup of coffee and carry it to him. Then he would
stay and visit with Baker for a bit.
[to top of second column] |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Jul/01/images/ads/current/ldn_lda_BUSDIRCOVER_2024.png)
![](../images/070124PIX/S%20DSCN2994_small.JPG)
On Friday, Nelson did not arrive empty handed. He
brought Baker retirement gifts that he had made himself at the
workshop he attends in the Mundelein area. The took a minute to pose
for a photo with Baker and the gifts.
Nelson also enjoyed visiting with several of the other staff at
Graue’s, offering hugs and updates on his personal life to all.
![](../images/070124PIX/S%20DSCN2997_small.JPG)
Graue and Baker also shared a photo moment as they
posed for a photo with the cake that had been decorated in Baker’s
Honor. Guests enjoyed vanilla and chocolate sheet cake made by
Lincoln Land Catering and cups of ice cream from Top Hat Creamery.
Graue said that he wanted to wish Baker all the best. For 23 years,
Baker has been an important part of the dealership, but has earned
his right to take time off an relax for a while.
Baker said he was excited about the new chapter in his life. He said
his plans are plain and simple – enjoy the grandkids. He added that
there is a garage or two that he needs to get cleaned out and
cleaned up.
[Nila Smith] |