Bruce Baker

Bruce Baker

Bruce BakerBruce L. Baker, age 65 of Walnut Grove, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2015 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 6 at the Walnut Grove Methodist Church. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Sunday. Burial is in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bruce Leslie Baker was born October 18, 1949 in Tracy, Minnesota to Clair and Betty (Mattson) Baker. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Walnut Grove. Bruce graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1967 and attended Granite Falls Vocational School, Mankato State University, and the U of M. He enlisted in the US Army and served with the 11th Armored Cavalry (Blackhorse) in Vietnam. Bruce and Nancy Raddatz were married on July 9, 1977 in Wood Lake. They lived near Walnut Grove and raised their three sons. Bruce owned and operated the elevator in Walnut Grove where he enjoyed visiting with his customers. He later was able to pursue his lifelong passion of farming. Bruce enjoyed baling hay, working with livestock, and camping. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Bruce was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion, Lions, Disabled American Veterans, and the Masonic Lodge.

Bruce is survived by his wife Nancy of Walnut Grove; sons: Todd (Micara) Baker of New Market, Ryan (Marissa) Baker of Walnut Grove, and Trent (Kristy) Baker of Walnut Grove; grandchildren: Sophie, Eva, Grant, Nolan, and Carson; father Clair Baker of Walnut Grove; sister Barbara (Don) Bredthauer of Omaha, NE; brother Brent (Deb) Baker of Milbank, SD; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Betty Baker and brother Brian.

16 thoughts on “Bruce Baker”

  1. David and Lynn Caygle

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you all through this difficult time.

  2. Sorry to hear of Bruce passing away, I worked at Vigorena feeds for 20 years on the loading dock and he was a very good customer and person. I got to know him when he worked for Bakken and then when he took over. I’m 66 and also a Vietnam vet. I havn’t seen Bruce in years but thought of him often.

  3. Janet (Bosshart) Willson

    Nancy — I am so sorry for your loss. We missed seeing you at my mom’s service in Minnesota. We had heard that Bruce was going through treatment for cancer, but were hopeful for a happier result for you. So hard to lose your spouse, partner, parent, grandparent — he was a lot of things to so many people. You and your kids are in my prayers.

  4. Patty & Sandy Paulson

    Nancy – We are keeping you and your family close in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy are extended to you and your family.

  5. O me, O life, that you are here.
    That life exists and identity,
    That powerful play goes on,
    And you may contribute a verse.
    Walt Whitman
    I join you in celebrating the life of Bruce and the many verses he contributed.
    Blessings,
    Bonnie Wallace, FUMC congregation, Omaha
    R

  6. Todd, I was sorry to learn about the passing of your Father. I have passed the news on to the rest of your peers. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.

  7. Mark & Sue Parker

    Bruce Baker Family,

    We would like to send our condolences to the Bruce baker Family. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you as we learned of Bruce’s passing.
    I always enjoyed working and visiting with Bruce when we served on the Farm Credit Board of directors together. He was an asset to that board.

    Mark & Sue Parker

    Redwood Falls

  8. Rich and Julie VanMoer

    I met Bruce through the Lions club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have our deepest sympathy for your loss.

  9. Jim and Peggy Klasse

    Sorry for your great loss and difficult trials. All of your family and loved ones are in our prayers.
    It was an honor to know Bruce and your family. Jim and Peggy Klasse

  10. Calling on Bruce at the elevator was always a fun stop for me. More recently I enjoyed reconnecting with him and Nancy at Lake Shetek State Park during my campground hosting times.
    That smile of his as he offered me fresh sweet corn will be missed. I had no idea of his illness; I now understand why I did not see him or Nancy camping this year. We missed them AND his special sweet corn!
    Nancy and family, you have my prayers and thoughts.
    Tony Doom
    Marshall

  11. Butch and Roane Mattison

    Our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace are with our family.
    We’re sorry we weren’t able to make it to the visitation.

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