Cleo Louise Baker, age 84 of Walnut Grove, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls surrounded by her family. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 15 at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at Walnut Grove Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Interment will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Cleo Louise Baker was born September 28, 1934 to Henry and Tempa (Clark) Schmalz in Westbrook, Minnesota. She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1952. Cleo enjoyed roller-skating in her younger years. On December 12, 1953, Cleo married Donn Baker at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. After the wedding, Cleo moved back to Westbrook while Donn was in the service. Cleo was a member of United Methodist Church. She loved spending time with her coffee ladies and her dialysis “family.” Cleo enjoyed flowers, reading, cooking, and traveling with Donn. She loved spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren.
Cleo is survived by her husband Donn of 64 years; children: Cynthia (Rick) Wegner of Courtland, Collin Baker of Hastings, and Paul (Kim) Baker of LaConner, WA; grandchildren: Josh, Jeremy (Ashley), & Lacey Wegner, Ashley (Nirpaul) Kang, and Adam (Jessica) & Alix Baker; great grandchildren: Peyton Mayfield, Paxton Wegner, Danika, Calliope, & Marley Kang and one on the way; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, son Bradley Baker on April 19, 2018, and siblings Nylo, Eugene, Dale and Theone.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Donn and all of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. You have been friends with my parents for many years (my Dad since you were kids) and I always looked forward to seeing you both when visiting my parents. Cleo was a warrior who fought hard and won many battles. I was always amazed at how she just kept going. May she rest in eternal peace. I will pray always for you Donn. Love, Jen Baxter
When I was a freshman in WHS, Cleo was a senior (class of ’52) She was a baton twirler during her high school days. We younger girls envied and admired the pretty older girls. I remember I thought Cleo looked SO beautiful in her twirling uniform. I am sorry she had to suffer for a long time, and know she is now enjoying the glories of heaven.
Love to and prayers for Donn, and Cleo’s family. Eunice (Keller) Christensen
Sorry for your loss Baker family prayers for u from the Ackley family
Prayers for Donn and family.
My Grandma Baker was one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever met. She loved her family with all her heart and knowing her love will continue on through us all helps me find peace. She was a warrior, a fighter and so strong. She never gave up and always pushed forward regardless of what was in her way. I will always cherish my Grandmother and will always remember her love, kindness and strength. May she forever be at peace, dancing in the sky with the Angels. I hope the Angels know how lucky they are.
Much love to my family and all those who were lucky enough to know Cleo. In times of sadness remember she lives on inside us and all around us.
My Grandma was the kindest and most caring person I’ve ever known. She was the epitome of strength and fortitude. She loved hearing of my international adventures with my wife and loved the pictures I shared with her. She will always be one of my favorite people and I will miss her dearly but remember and cherish all of the wonderful memories I had with her. I know she will look down and smile from heaven and will look out for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Heaven truly gained another Angel, I love you Grandma.