John Charles Baker, 87, of Minneapolis, MN, died Friday, December 21, 2018, at the Mt. Olivet Home. He was born July 4, 1931, in Staples, MN, to James and Esther (Swenson) Baker and graduated from Staples High School. He enlisted in the US Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He attended the University of MN and studied mathematics. In November of 1959, he married Yvonne Walker and they lived in Minneapolis. He was employed at United Bearing Company, retiring after 31 years. He then worked for his brother, Ben, at Baker Bearing. John enjoyed table tennis, spending time at his lakeside cabin, spending time with his grandchildren, watching classic western TV shows, cats, college football, taking long walks, visiting his uncles in North Dakota, Bible study, playing the piano and classical music.

He is survived by his children, Tonina Baker of Mpls., Sigri Erickson of Welch, MN Swen and Desiree Baker both of Sauk Centre, MN and Ivan Baker of Welch, MN; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and a brother, David Baker of Culver City, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Yvonne and siblings, Beulah Welk, Ben, Bonita and Pearl Baker.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, Red Wing, with Rev. Tom Johnson officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place on Wednesday. January 2, at the Walker Family Cemetery in Waubay, South Dakota at 1:00 P.M.