Donn Irving Baker, age 94 of Walnut Grove, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Prairie Home Hospice – Lockwood House in Marshall. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Burial is in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donn Irving Baker was born December 27, 1931 in Tracy, Minnesota to Wilbur and Bernice (Dibble) Baker. Donn proudly served his country in the US Navy, 1950-1954. He was stationed aboard the LST-825 USS Hickman County during the Korean War. While home on leave, Donn married Cleo Schmalz at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook, MN on December 12, 1953 and they were blessed with nearly 65 years of marriage together. Following his honorable discharge, Donn farmed and raised dairy cattle for most of his farming years. He was also a substitute rural letter carrier for 41 years. In 2007, Donn and Cleo moved off the farm and into Walnut Grove. He was a longtime member of the Walnut Grove United Methodist Church, and a 70-year member of the American Legion. Donn enjoyed traveling, and he loved taking road trips with Cleo as his co-pilot.

Donn is survived by his children: Cynthia (Rick) Wegner of Courtland, Collin Baker of Hastings, and Paul (Kim) Baker of La Conner, WA; 6 grandchildren: Josh Wegner, Jeremy (Ashley) Wegner, Lacey (Jordan Malone) Wegner, Ashley (Nirpaul) Kang, Adam (Jess) Baker, Alix (Chris) Fleming; 12 great-grandchildren: Paxton, Jackson, Peyton, Jru, Jaylee, Danica, Calliope, Marley, Easton, Allistair, Theodore, and Arthur. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Cleo, son Brad, daughter-in-law Peggy, brothers Clair and Miles, and many other family members and dear friends.