John A. Baker
Tuesday, September 25, 1928
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Tuesday, September 25, 1928
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Tuesday, September 25, 1928
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Age:
95 years old
John A. Baker
John Anthony Baker, 95, died February 3, 2024 at the Stewartville Care Center.
Johnny was born September 25, 1928 in Rochester, MN to John W. and Rose (Lillie) Baker.
He grew up on the family farm in Simpson and loved farming. He completed elementary/junior high school in Simpson and graduated from Rochester High School in 1946. He continued working on the family farm.
In 1954, he joined the army and was stationed in France where he was assigned to the Motor Ordinance Division. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He married Joanne O’Neil on Oct 19, 1957 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.
They lived a good life together in rural Rochester and raised five children. He enjoyed a long life of farming, including dairy, crops and beef. Johnny liked his fences and crop rows straight and his cattle well fed and bedded. He enjoyed farm auctions, shop work, coffee breaks with neighboring farmers, RFDTV, old westerns and polka music. He traveled many miles around southeast Minnesota on farm related ventures and Sunday drives. He was a member of the Minnesota American Legion. His family and friends appreciated his sense of humor.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joanne, their children Margaret, Anthony, Jan Baker of Rochester, Amy Baker of Minneapolis, Helen (Carl) Sicking of Albuquerque, New Mexico and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Evelyn, brothers Tom (Mary) and Wesley (Bette), sister-in-law Margaret Mary (Elbert) Borst, a nephew Richard Baker and a niece Nancy Clark.
He actively farmed until age 88. A couple years later he was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. As his health declined, he was able to live at home for several years with care from his wife, family and Mayo Hospice. He resided at Stewartville Care Center for the past two months. His family is grateful for the caring staff at Mayo Hospice and the Care Center.
Visitation and funeral service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 2123 County Rd. S.E., Rochester, MN. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. and the Memorial Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at St. Bridget’s cemetery and a lunch will follow in the church hall.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of John A. Baker has received the following condolences.
Our sincerest condolences to all of you at this sad time. We will be out of the country during the funeral, but please know we will be holding you close in our thoughts and hearts. Long distance hugs to all of you!
Brenda,Todd, Kelsey and Alli Meier
JoAnn sorry for your loss was great to know John from you guys. coming into MacDonald
So many wonderful memories of the friendship that Johnny & my Dad had over the yrs . As I was leaving Mass last Sun Robert Sheehan & I were saying Johnny was the last of the truck stop gang.That was such a great place for those friends to meet up every morning except Sunday May they all meet up in heaven.
A heart has stopped beating but John’s essence is for ever. I have a very found memory of him needing someone to back up one of the big farm trucks. I volunteered, and was thrilled and a little frightened to be behind the wheel of that big truck under his watchful eye? Peace to you John.