Gust DeBaeker, age 101, of Crystal Falls and formerly of Channing, died Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls. He was born August 2, 1904, in Belgium, son of the late Adolphus and Maria (Kremers) DeBaeker. On October 13, 1924, he married Helen Peterson in Iron Mountain. She preceded him in death on October 26, 1997. Gust came to this country as a young child with his family in 1909 from Belgium and settled in Stambaugh. In 1921 he moved to Channing where his mother ran a hotel. Gust started working for The Milwaukee Road in 1919 and remained with them for 50 years. He was a brakeman and a conductor. Gust enjoyed the times he was called to be the conductor on the Chippewa, or the "Chip" as he affectionately referred to it, that went to Milwaukee and back to Channing all in one day. Gust was a hard working man and spent many hours, days, and holidays away from home on his job. It wasn't until his son Francis was 16 that he got to spend a Christmas at home, still "when they called me to work, I was happy" he was quoted as saying. Gust was active all his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. He was active in his church, Grace Presbyterian Church of Sagola, right up until just a year ago. When he had to enter the Medical Care Facility he remained active with bingo, bowling and various activities. He was a good man who enjoyed life, most especially his family; for this he was blessed with a long life. He will be truly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Survivors include one son, Francis (Beverly) DeBaker, Milwaukee, Wis.; five grandchildren, Ginger (Jim) LaRock, Iron River, Germaine (Stanley) Bjork, Gwinn, Charlene (Allan) Anderson, Crystal Falls, Linda (Daniel)Thomas, Milwaukee, Ginger Wollert, Milwaukee; 12 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren; and special friend Floyd VanOss and his late wife Marie. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, step-father Mark Ennes, one daughter, Marie Johnson, one brother, Peter DeBaeker, two grandchildren, Donald and Gust DeBaeker, and one great-grandson, Todd Anderson. Visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2006, at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2006, at Grace Presbyterian Church, Sagola. Burial will be in the Channing Cemetery. Pallbearers will be, Ginger and Jim LaRock, Germaine and Stanley Bjork, Char and Allan Anderson. Friends may leave condolences to Gust's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls is serving the family.