Wayne Cecil Baker

Wayne Baker passed away peacefully at his home in Sun City, Arizona on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the age of 89.

Wayne Cecil Baker was born February 1, 1931 to Fred and Anna (Thompson) Baker in Fairfax, South Dakota.

Wayne met his wife of 69 years, Diane, in Pickstown, South Dakota.  Together they raised their family in the Black Hills of South Dakota before retiring to Arizona.  He began his career in the grocery business at a very young age and worked 47 years for the same grocery Sooper Dooper markets, a privately owned corporation, where he learned all aspects of it before moving up to management and administrative roles within the growing corporation.  Wayne and Diane traveled extensively on work related assignments.  Wayne was always engaged in the communities where they lived.  He received many commendations for his service.  He was active in the Sturgis, South Dakota volunteer fire department, chamber of commerce and Jaycees where he was a catalyst for the towns first public swimming pool.  He was a dependable supporter of local charities, church, 4-H, and National Guard.

Wayne enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, feeding and watering the birds, gardening, cooking, playing cards and studying the bull and bear stock market.  He was a loving patriarch who took special joy in his grandchildren and great-granddaughters.

Wayne was a spunky little guy who always had a twinkle in his eye and woke each morning with a grateful, humble heart and a positive "can do" attitude.  He chose to live as fully and lovingly as possible during his amazing recoveries from many life threatening health incidents such as cardiac arrest, kidney failure, two bouts of cancer and an aortic aneurysm.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 69 years, Diane Baker of Sun City, Arizona; children Yvette Ferguson of Denver, Colorado, Yvonne (Brian) Hoop of Bloomington, Illinois, Darcey (Edna) Baker of Rapid City, South Dakota; grandchildren Jay (Brooke) Ferguson, Drew Ferguson, Tasha Baker, Travis (Renee) Baker, Emma (Spencer) Saldumbide; great-grandchildren Cate Ferguson, Cora Ferguson, Freya Baker; sister Marie Redel of Jefferson City, Missouri; sisters-in-law Millie Markley and Barbara Baker both of Florida; brother-in-law Martin Haug of Pine City; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Anna Baker; granddaughter Ashley Ferguson; siblings Lennis, Mark, Ardys, Mavis, Wesley; brother-in-law Mel Haug.

Reverend John Stiles will officiate at funeral services for Wayne; 11 AM; Friday, June 19, 2020 with a time of visitation and reviewal planned for one hour prior to the service all at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City.  The interment will take place in Milburn Cemetery in Pine City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Hunter's Hope Foundation which is a non-profit organization committed to giving hope through education and awareness, research and family care of Krabbe Disease.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com