Sheldon L. Baker
Sept. 19, 1930 - Feb. 15, 2007
KERKHOVEN -- Sheldon Lyle Baker, 76, of Kerkhoven died Thursday at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
The service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church and for one hour prior to the service Monday. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Kerkhoven.
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He was born Sept. 19, 1930, in Kerkhoven to Hillard "Jack" and Hazel (Arenson) Baker. He grew up in Kerkhoven and graduated from Kerkhoven High School in 1948. He enlisted in the Army National Guard, was called into active duty during the Korean War, and was stationed at Camp Rucker, Ala.
He married Donna Paaverud on June 29, 1951, in rural Sunburg. They lived in Alabama until he was discharged in 1952. They returned to the Kerkhoven area. He worked with his father at Baker Motor Sales. He took over the business in 1966 and later worked with his sons.
He served on the Kerkhoven Housing Association, Hillside Cemetery Board, Kerkhoven-Sunburg School Board, was a Scout Master, was active with the Commercial Club, was a KMS wrestling booster and served on the Kerkhoven Volunteer Fire Department for 29 years. He was also a member of the Kerkhoven American Legion and worked as the Kerkhoven city clerk for a number of years. He was a member of Kerkhoven Lutheran Church, where he had been active in the choir, ushered and served on the church board.
He is survived by his wife; sons: Kent (and Judy) Baker of Kerkhoven, Terry (and Dianne) Baker of New Bern, N.C., Kevin Baker (and Matt Beckwith) of Madison, Wis.; daughter-in-law: Naomi Baker of Kerkhoven; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three sisters: Patricia Krohn of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jean (and Gary) Forbord of Coon Rapids, and Jane Magnuson of Marinette, Wis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepfather: Maurice Baker; son: Tim; and one brother.
