About Us

Our History Baker's Gas and Welding was founded in 1936 by Harold and Dorothy Baker. Harold and Dorothy jointly operated the business until the death of Harold in 1961.

In 1961, Pete (Dale) Klemz and Lyle Hill were added to the management team of Baker's Gas. Pete Klemz was active in all areas of the company's operation. He was responsible for the implementation of many innovative ideas. He implemented our cylinder filling facility and introduced our bulk station program at customers sites. Pete rose to the rank of president and was responsible for all areas of operations in the company. Pete was serving as President upon his untimely death in a boating accident in 1988.

Lyle Hill was active in all areas of the company and eventually rose to the rank of Vice-president. Lyle was responsible for all day to day functions of office procedures and focused most of his efforts in cylinder control. Lyle retired from Baker's Gas in 1992. Lyle passed away in 1999.

Dorothy Baker was active in the management of Baker's until her death In 1991. Upon Dorothy's death, ownership of Baker's Gas and Welding Supplies passed to Gary and Tom Klemz. Gary and Tom are dedicated to continuing the great entrepreneurial spirit that was so evident in the life and works of Harold & Dorothy Baker. Gary and Tom place great value in being privileged to have had that same entrepreneurial spirit passed onto them through the life and works of Pete Klemz and Lyle Hill.

For a directory of our physical stores, with contact info for each, please see our Store Locations page.