Donald Baker, Sr.

Donald Baker, Sr., age 69, of Madison, MN, died Thursday, April 21, 2016, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Abiding Faith Lutheran Church in Ortonville with Pastor Richard Larson officiating. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Odessa, MN. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the time of service on Saturday.

Casket bearers will be Don Baker, Jr., Bill Baker, Roy Townsend, Kurt Westlund, Lloyd Baker, Jr., and Henry Schreiner. Honorary bearers include Melvin Baker and Zach Delmas.

Donald Melvin Baker was born on September 30, 1946, in Appleton, MN, to Melvin and Irene Whiting (Paulson) Baker. He graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul. On February 9, 1967, Don was united in marriage with Marcella Ann Basques in Webster, SD.

Don lived in a variety of places including Duluth, MN, Dunkerton, IA, Isanti, MN, and St. Paul, MN. In 1984, he and Marcella moved to Ortonville. After Marcella’s death on December 27, 2011, Don moved to Madison, MN. During his working career, Don was employed by Cole Sewell making doors and also spent time working as a maintenance man.

Don enjoyed fishing, gambling, and listening to country music. He especially loved his family and cherished the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his children: Brenda (Scott) Schraam of W. St. Paul, MN; Linda (Ken) Ekblad of W. St. Paul, MN; Donald (Penny) Baker, Jr. of Northfield, MN; John Baker of Ortonville, MN; and Bill (Ginger) Baker of Ortonville, MN; grandchildren: Samantha, Spencer, Krista (Hank), Karen (Brandon), Katie, Kyle, Kori (Zack), Megan, Brandon, and Lexie; great-grandchildren: Andrew, Mason, Lily, Jaxon, Kala, Izzy, Cierra, Carter, and Ella; fiancé, Lilly Dunlap of Madison, MN; siblings: Betty, Marion, Lucille, Lloyd, and Melvin; and large extended family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marcella; and sister, Roseanne.