William Alan Baker, 65, Kasson
William Alan Baker, age 65, died on Sunday Dec. 13th, 2015 at home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services were held Friday Dec. 18th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kasson, with Pastor Randy Fett officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson.
William A. “Bill” Baker was born July 25, 1950 in Belmond, Iowa to Peter and Henrietta Baker. He was raised in rural Britt, Iowa and attended Christian Reform School from kindergarten through eighth grade. He then attended Britt Community School grades nine-12, graduating high school in 1968. Upon graduation, Bill attended North Iowa Area Community College from 1968-69. In November of 1969, he enlisted to serve in the Army National Guard until November of 1975, attaining the rank of E5 Sergeant. On Aug. 17, 1974, he married the love of his life, Jean Monson.
Bill lived in Forest City, Iowa working at Winnebago Industries after he and Jean were married. They then moved to Kasson, MN in 1980. From 1981-83, Bill attended Rochester Community College, graduating with a degree in mechanical drafting. He worked for various drafting firms throughout his career finally taking a position with Mayo Clinic Rochester until retiring in July 2015.
Bill was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran church, the American Legion of Kasson, the NRA and various other organizations. Bill will especially be remembered for his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor and infinite patience. He was a talented craftsman and woodworker. He touched the lives of so many people and will be greatly missed.
Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jean of Kasson, his three children, Ann Klennert and her husband Anthony of Pine Island and their children Torrie and Pierce, Susan Bessingpas and her husband Marc of Rochester and their son Bradley, and Joe Baker of Eagan; a sister Roberta Wellik and her husband Terry of Crystal Lake, Iowa and a brother Brian Baker of Britt, Iowa; a brother-in-law John Monson and his wife Karen of Forest City, Iowa and a sister-in-law Janice Buffington and her husband Forrest of Forest City, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Shirley.
Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kasson was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.