After 23 years, Tub Baker retires from Graue Chevrolet

[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.

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.

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.

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]