Irene Dorothy Baker

Irene Baker of Brook Park passed away on Friday (8/17/2012) at the St. Clare Living Center in Mora at the age of 89. Irene Dorothy Baker was born in Kinney, MN on October 4, 1922 to Herman and Minnie Sams. She lived in Kinney until the age of 8, when the family moved to Duluth, MN. She married Harry Baker and they had three boys; Jim, Paul and Ray. They lived in Brook Park, where they farmed until the early 1960's. After farming they owned a small tavern in Brook Park for four years. They then held jobs in Minneapolis where they lived, while keeping the farm in Brook Park. They enjoyed taking road trips out west, camping, fishing, deer hunting and she also enjoyed knitting. When Harry passed away in 1975, Irene sold the farm in Brook Park, but kept 5 acres for retirement. Irene continued working at Metal Matic in Minneapolis until retiring after 22 years. She remained in Minneapolis for 5 more years, where she loved to go to Canterbury Downs and watch the horses. Irene moved to Zimmerman in 2006, but missed being up north so moved back to Mora in 2010. She spent time with her sister Helen traveling to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and road trips out west. She adored her grand & great grand children, and loved spending time with her family. Irene is survived by her sons Jim Baker of Ogilvie, Ray Baker and wife Robin of Zimmerman, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, her sister Helen Shursen of St. Paul and many nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Herman and Minnie Sams, husband Harry Baker, son Paul Baker, Grandson Wade Baker, two sisters, and 4 brothers. Pastor Dave Dwyer will officiate funeral services for Irene Baker; 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (8/22/12) at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. A time of visitation and reviewal will be held Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral. Casket bearers include: Chris Baker, James Baker Jr., Roger Shursen, Pat Blahnik, Gene Martfeld, and Dean Martfeld. The interment is in the Brook Park Cemetery in Brook Park, MN. Funeral arrangements for Irene Baker (Mrs. Harry Baker) of Brook Park are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City; Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com