Obituary: Earl Baker

Earl William Baker, 91, passed away in the presence of family on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Cloquet. He was born March 10, 1933, to George and Mable (Piquette) Baker in Duluth. He was raised in the Gary New Duluth area, and forged a close bond with his six siblings that remained strong throughout their lives. Family was very important to him.

Earl served his country with the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Korea.

Earl married Sharon Lafontaine on July 27, 1957. Together they had five children, and raised them in the Cloquet area.

Earl was employed with Potlatch for more than 28 years. He was an avid supporter of the Ski Club and enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and camping. As long as he was physically able, Earl could always be counted on to lend a hand when help was needed. He will be truly missed.

The family thanks the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Diamond Willow Assisted Living for their exceptional care and much appreciated compassion.

Earl is survived by his children, Joyce (Jerry) Borske of Cloquet, James (Cindy) Baker of Mesa, Arizona, Jeff (Patsy) Baker of Mesa, Jack (Kanyapat) Baker of Cloquet, and Jerry (Chin Ok) Baker of Houston; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Sharon; siblings, Leona (Arnold) Doble, Vernon (Nadine) Baker, Eugene (Bernice) Baker, Floyd (Florence) Baker, Jerome (Donna) Baker, and LeRoy (Ardella) Baker.

Visitation: 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. memorial service Friday, Dec. 20 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. A lunch will follow. Inurnment will be at New Calvary Cemetery in Cloquet.

Bonus

Read this column about Earl Baker and his brothers by his nephew: https://www.pineknotnews.com/story/2024/12/13/opinion/out-in-it-hunting-up-memories-of-the-baker-brothers/12255.html