Michael D. Baker
January 24, 2014
Michael D. Baker, 49, of Des Moines, left us far too soon on January 24, 2014. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1001 S. James St. in Grimes, IA.
Mike loved sports, but nothing would surpass his passion for his family. They were his pride, his joy, his soul, his reason for being. To his wife, children and grandchildren, he is remembered for his love, devotion and easy laugh. To his siblings, he is remembered as the mischievous little brother and an accident waiting to happen. To all he was the rock, the family core.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Kyle (Brynn), Holli and Cole; grandsons, Jaedyn, Jaxyn and Behr; siblings, Gail, Kelly Loftus, and Jack; nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends who were fortunate enough to enter his orbit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Donna Baker.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bob Bursell, Duluth MN
01/28/2014
To the Baker family; My deepest sympathy to you at this very difficult time. Mike left us far too early. He was the guy you wanted to sit near at a gathering, as he had a way of making anything just a little more fun. May your memories comfort you and may God's peace surround you.
Bill Smart NW Claims Dept Tampa
01/28/2014
Sorry to get this news, Will pray for your family.
Glenn Nagel - Rosemount, MN
01/27/2014
Deb, Cole, Holli, Kyle and the entire Baker family. I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I had the pleasure of being Managed by him and of calling him my friend. Had so many great times with him and those will never fade. He loved you all very much as you were his entire world. May God's peace be with you.
The Harada's
01/27/2014
To the Baker family, we are so sorry for the passing of Mike. I enjoyed the great conversions with him at the children's events. We hope your memories of Mike give you strength. Our thoughts and prayers for peace are with you.
Dave and Tammy Mackowski
01/27/2014
We are very sad to hear of Mike's passing. Our deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. May peace be with you.
Caleb and Autumn Posey
01/27/2014
We are so sorry for your family's loss. We are praying for God to strengthen you during this time.
Love From the Poseys
Lynn and Nikki Pevito
01/27/2014
Kyle and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Please keep your chin up through these difficult times. Keep the good memories close.
Len and Sheila Twaroski
01/27/2014
It is so very hard to grasp that Mike is gone. He befriended us as we were moving to Iowa in 2001 and we will always be grateful. I can truly say he was just a terrific guy.
Jeff and Lisa Rich
01/27/2014
We were blessed to know Mike and work with him for several years. He was a wonderful manager, and friend. He was always a pleasure to talk too. Everyone that knew him knew his family was the most important thing to him, and for that he had the respect of all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very difficult time. Jeff and Lisa Rich, Murfreesboro, TN
Todd Anderson
01/27/2014
Mike was a great friend growing up. He is missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anita and Chelsee Orton
01/27/2014
Deb, Holli and Cole, We are so very sorry about your loss. We''ve known your family since Cole and Chels were little. Everytime we saw Mike he always had a huge smile on his face. He was such a great guy. Please know that if you need anything were only a phone call away. Sending our love-Anita and Chelsee
Mark Hollensbe
01/27/2014
His smile said it all,and it was usually when he was talking about his family.I learned a lot from Mike
and he was a good mentor and a good friend. He will be very missed my condolences to his family and may God watch over you in this difficult time.
Bill Huffman
01/27/2014
I only met Mike a couple of times, and briefly, but I felt like I knew him from Gail's family stories over the years. It was so reassuring to read what others had to say about Mike, because I guess I already knew he was that kind of guy, that kind of husband, that kind of father, and that kind of grandfather. It's all any of us can hope to take with us -- the love!
Jim Lazzari, Peoria, IL
01/27/2014
Gail, Kelly and Jack I'm so sorry for you loss. Your home was like my second home in the neighborhood for many years and Mike was always like the big brother I never had. I always looked up to him. To Mike's children and grandchildren. I was catching on the opposite team when Mike hit his first home run and I got to be the first one at the plate to greet him. It was a awesome home run over the left field fence. Mike was also catching that game and I hit my first home run later in the game and he was the first to greet me at the plate. He said "you couldn't let me have this moment alone." I'm glad I got to share it with him. The only time we ever got to play on the same team we won a championship in basketball. We used to have many hours of baseball and football card trade sessions. Mike was a great friend growing up and I will always carry my memories with him in my heart.
Michelle & Mike Chambers
01/27/2014
To the entire Baker family: we both went to school with Mike and graduated together EHS 83'. It was always a great time reconnecting at reunions, most recently our 30th as well as connecting when we moved to Grimes. It was always great to see Mike at all the sport events either running the score table or cheering on his kids.. often both! Mike was truly a great person, his love for his family was always present just as his big smile was. We were blessed to call him friend. Our family is keeping yours close in thought and prayer. RIP Mike