William D. “Dave” Baker

William D. “Dave” Baker, age 79, of Decorah, IA, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011 out on his farm. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, April 8, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust, IA, rural Decorah, with Rev. Nancy Solomonson officiating. Visitation begins on Friday at 1:00 P.M., one hour before the service, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. William David Baker was born August 25, 1931 in Burlingame, CA, to Russell and Ruth (Robinson) Baker. He was baptized in the Presbyterian Church. Shortly after that they came to Decorah, IA, where he spent most of his life. William David (Dave) graduated in 1949 from Decorah High School. He played football; however, he had a passion for hunting and fishing after school from which he has shared many stories. Dave joined the Air Force after one year of college and served as a Sharp Shooter, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two Bronze Service Stars. Dave served until January 1955 when he was honorably discharged. Dave graduated from Luther College with a degree in Economics and a minor in Religion. In 1957 he met Marlene Ewing and they were married May 10, 1958 at University Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. Their marriage was blessed with three wonderful children: David Albert, Deanne Ruth, and Joel Arthur. Dave went on to receive a Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Iowa. He taught Special Education at the Junior and Senior High levels. He enjoyed time on his farm milking his beloved Jersey Cows, and hunting his land. He spent time fishing on the Mississippi River. Most of all, he loved time at his cabin on White Earth Lake in Northern Minnesota. He cherished the times when his children and grandchildren would come to visit. The kids all enjoyed the jet ski, boating, and swimming while he sat under the tree and supervised. Dan was Dave’s yellow lab. They spent many long walks, talks, naps, and boat rides together. Dan was by his side when Dave died on April 5, 2010 out on his farm. Dave is survived by his wife Marlene (Mimi) Baker of Decorah, IA; a son Davey Baker of Decorah, IA; a daughter Deanne (Vernon) Stoskopf of St. Charles, MN; and a son Joel Baker (special friend, Tricia) of Coralville, IA; seven grandchildren: Amy (Jakob) Hanson of St. Charles, MN; Sasha (Derek) Holmes of Glyndon, MN; Forest and Nathaniel “Tanner” St. Mane of St. Charles, MN; Jessica, Justin, and Julia Baker of Coralville, IA; two great-grandchildren: Ethan and Tayvin Hanson of St. Charles, MN; Dan III (his yellow lab); and former daughter-in-law, Jennifer Cole-Baker of Coralville, IA. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ruth Baker, and two sisters, Phyllis Baker and Jean Sproatt. Memorials may be given to Wellington Place Residential Facility, 2479 River Road, Decorah, IA 52101.