James Marvin Baker

OBITUARY James Marvin Baker was born on April 9, 1937 in Sibley, IA, the son of Mark and Lucy (DeVries) Baker. He graduated from Sibley High School in 1955, and then enlisted into the United States Navy from 1955-1963. Jim served our country on the destroyer USS Waldron DD699. He toured many countries in and around the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. Jim also was a proud lifetime member of the U.S. Navy Tin Can Sailors. Jim was united in marriage to Phyllis Berger on June 13, 1960 in Sioux Falls, SD. They lived in the Twin Cities area, Forest Lake, and then in 1977 they moved to Alexandria to be closer to family. Jim worked hard throughout his life and he was employed with the VA hospital in Mpls., Buckbee-Mears Company in St. Paul, and then various employment in Alexandria until his retirement in 1979. Jim was a loving husband and family man. He loved his children and especially his grandchildren. Family reunions and holiday gatherings were always special occasions in his life. Jim enjoyed long rides in the car, fishing with his friends, sitting outside looking at his lake, and watching sunsets and the world go by. James M. Baker died on Thursday, December 10, 2015 in his home holding hands with his wife and surrounded by family at the age of 78 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Phyllis Baker of Alexandria; children Lorinda (Darrell) Boelter of Alexandria, Duane (Angie) Baker of Shoreview, David (Michele) Baker of Alexandria, Lavonne (Scott) Hipp of Henderson, Lynn Kovin of Worth, IL, LeAnn (Danny) Steffan of Chicago, IL; 18 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; sister Freda Ward of Burnsville; sister-in-law Patricia Baker of Mountain Home, AR; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his infant son Daniel Baker, parents Mark and Lucy, brother Henry (Hank) Baker, sister Mary Baker, and brother-in-law Elmer Ward. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Michael Peterson officiating. Inurnment was at Kinkead Cemetery. Military honors were performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, American Legion Post 87, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 235, and Minnesota National Guard. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net

James Marvin Baker

April 9, 1937 - December 10, 2015