John Anthony Baker, 95, died February 3, 2024 at the Stewartville Care Center.
Johnny was born September 25, 1928 in Rochester, MN to John W. and Rose (Lillie) Baker.
He grew up on the family farm in Simpson and loved farming. He completed elementary/junior high school in Simpson and graduated from Rochester High School in 1946. He continued working on the family farm.
In 1954, he joined the army and was stationed in France where he was assigned to the Motor Ordinance Division. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He married Joanne O’Neil on Oct 19, 1957 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.
They lived a good life together in rural Rochester and raised five children. He enjoyed a long life of farming, including dairy, crops and beef. Johnny liked his fences and crop rows straight and his cattle well fed and bedded. He enjoyed farm auctions, shop work, coffee breaks with neighboring farmers, RFDTV, old westerns and polka music. He traveled many miles around southeast Minnesota on farm related ventures and Sunday drives. He was a member of the Minnesota American Legion. His family and friends appreciated his sense of humor.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joanne, their children Margaret, Anthony, Jan Baker of Rochester, Amy Baker of Minneapolis, Helen (Carl) Sicking of Albuquerque, New Mexico and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Evelyn, brothers Tom (Mary) and Wesley (Bette), sister-in-law Margaret Mary (Elbert) Borst, a nephew Richard Baker and a niece Nancy Clark.
He actively farmed until age 88. A couple years later he was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. As his health declined, he was able to live at home for several years with care from his wife, family and Mayo Hospice. He resided at Stewartville Care Center for the past two months. His family is grateful for the caring staff at Mayo Hospice and the Care Center.
Visitation and funeral service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 2123 County Rd. S.E., Rochester, MN. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. and the Memorial Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at St. Bridget’s cemetery and a lunch will follow in the church hall.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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