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.
Tim Shoger
01/27/2014
We were all shocked and deeply saddened to hear that God had called Mike home so soon. I considered Mike a trusted friend very shortly after he started at Nationwide. Mike always talked about his family and the activities / sports each of his kids were involved in. I know he loved the Lord, his family and was dedicated to excellence in his profession. It was a privilege to spend time with Mike and I will miss seeing him at work but I look forward to the day I will see him again in Heaven. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mikes family.
Darryl Smith
01/27/2014
It was my pleasure and blessing to work with Mike from a distance and in person over the past few years. Whenever I thought about him I thought about friendliness and a welcoming spirit. Please know your family will be in my prayers.
Joel Bringle
01/27/2014
Deb, Cole, Holli, Kyle and the entire Baker family, I had the pleasure of having Mike as both a manager and friend. All he ever wanted to talk about was his family, then it would be work. He will be sadly missed by all. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Joel in Blaine, MN
Jim Walsh, Gilbert, AZ.
01/27/2014
Gail: Very sorry to hear about your brother's sudden death. It sounds like he made the most of his life and made a big difference in the lives of others. I wish you and your family the best at your time of grief and mourning.
Todd Ahrens -Dallas, TX
01/27/2014
Deb, Cole, Holli,Kyle, and your entire extended family. I was so shocked to hear the sad news. I was blessed to have known and worked with your Dad for the last 9 years. Your Dad was a friend first and a co worker second. Your Dad was so very proud of all of you and your accomplishments. We would take time each time we met to discuss all our family fun. Please let those great memories of your Dad help you through this time of sadness. Know that he will now be with each of you helping to guide you through lifes many challenges. He will be greatly missed. Your family is in our prayers. With my deepest condolences.
Jodi, Andrew & Jacob Hastings
01/27/2014
Kelly & The Baker Family,
Our condolences to you all!
May God be with you all at this difficult time.
Jim Helmers
01/27/2014
So sorry to hear this. Mike was one of my first friends in life. He was always a great person. RIP Mike
Paul Maruska
01/27/2014
Mike is a great guy. I had the pleasure of working with him for the past 8 years. He was a proud husband and father and a great person. It is my honor to call him a friend.
My deepest condolences.
Jimmy Goodwin- Little Rock, AR
01/27/2014
I had the pleasure of working with Mike for several years. Mike was a friend to everyone he met. It was obvious that his family meant the world to him. He will be truly missed. I am praying that His strength and love will shine through to comfort you during your time of loss.
Linda Marovets
01/27/2014
Deb, I'm so sorry for your loss. He was way too young to be taken from you and your family.
Brenda Gray - Dallas, TX
01/27/2014
I have worked with Mike for many years and enjoyed much time hearing the stories about his family. No one ever questioned who was most important in Mike's life. I respected Mike on so many levels but the greatest respect was Mike's love for his family. What a great honor it has been to have such a special person influence my life and our world is so much better having known him. Mike's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you today and for many months to come. Mike, this is not good bye my friend, but see you later until we meet again in our Father's house. God's gain is our loss.
Wayne Hale
01/27/2014
I traveled to Des Moines many times from Georgia to work with Mike. There has never been anyone like him, the most concerned and helpful person ever. He cared for his people and customers like no other. It was a pleasure to know him. I always looked forward to seeing him during my visits. We talked often and he always ended up taking the conversation to Family so there is no doubt he loved hiis Family. My prayers are with each of you. Wayne Hale
Nishi Mohabir
01/27/2014
I had the pleasure of working with Mike Baker for many years. He was great to work with, easy going and fun. He will be missed by alot of people, but it was a blessing to have known him.
Dave Desing
01/27/2014
I have worked along side Mike for many years at the DCG basketball games. He always had a funny story and a smile. He will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kurt Udelhofen - Apple Valley MN
01/27/2014
Deb, Cole, Holli, Kyle and Baker Family....I had the pleasure and opportunity to work with Mike at Nationwide for many years. He was such a great guy to be around...his passion, enthusiasm, hard work were contagious. He had a great sense of humor and was a doting father-grandfather. I can remember each time I was in a meeting or walked by Mike's cube where he would talk about Kyle, Holli and Cole and the grand-babies just beaming. My heartfelt condolences go out to you all along with prayers and thoughts to help you all during this extremely difficult time. I feel I am better for having known Mike and he was a god's gift to our earth taken far too early. RIP Mike and know that you will be greatly missed by many...Kurt, Dawn, Grant and Zachary Udelhofen...Apple Valley, MN