Loretta K. Baker

LORETTA KAY BAKER was born on December 25, 1948 at the Luverne Community Hospital, Luverne, MN, to Fern E. Olson and LeRoy A. Olson. She lived on a farm with her one and only sibling, Douglas Olson. She attended Beaver Creek Schools and graduated in 1966 from Hills-Beaver Creek High School as a part of the first class to graduate from the consolidation of Hills and Beaver Creek. Following graduation, she moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and worked for Western Surety while her high school sweet heart was off to Vietnam.

On November 3, 1967 Loretta was united in marriage to Warren E. Baker at the First Lutheran Church of Valley Springs, SD. Upon marriage, the couple moved to a farm close to Steen, MN, where they resided for 43 years and attended Steen Reformed Church. The early years of farming found Loretta helping in the milk barn until the barn burned down in 1973. She later got involved with a small hog confinement which farrowed approximately 12 hogs. She loved animals and her nurturing spirit showed as she cared and took great pride in her in small operation. Loretta also loved gardening and each season she would can with the help of her children. In 1983 Loretta went to work at Tri – State Insurance which later became Continental Western Group in Luverne, MN. Warren and Loretta sold their farm and moved to a small acreage on the edge of Luverne in 2008. Loretta continued to work until December of 2013 when she retired from Continental Western Group after 30 years of service to enjoy her retirement years.

Loretta was a mother of four children: Beth, Randy, Dean and Londa. She loved being a mom and one could say she wanted nothing more in life than to marry and raise kids. She spent countless hours running after her children and their activities, helping them with school work, baking, canning, cleaning and raising animals. She was a hard-working woman with a soft heart for animals and a tender voice toward her husband and children.

Loretta was a grandma to 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She loved to see each and every one of them whether it be at one of their events or just stopping in to grab a quick ginger snap cookie or baked item along with a pop. Baking and caring for her family was her pride and joy, and she did it often. She loved to babysit when she could and never turned her kids or grandkids away because of being too busy. Serving her family was something Mom/Grandma will forever be remembered for.

In September of 2017, Loretta was diagnosed with MMMT Uterine Cancer. Even with her diagnosis she remained calm and positive reminding all that she would be going to Heaven and what better place could one be. She was a strong woman of faith and was not scared to share her faith and commitment to the Lord with her children and grandchildren. She had a gentleness of spirit when dealing with her children and grandchildren and loved them with all her heart.
On Monday, June 3, 2019, while at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage, Loretta went to be with her Lord at the age of 70 years, five months and eight days.

Loretta was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. She enjoyed reading, attending Bible studies, teaching catechism, going to the lakes and trips with her family, attending events for her grandchildren and children and helping others in need. She loved to give of her time and served in any capacity she could to help others. Often times she would bake things and bring them to others to brighten their day.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Warren; children, Beth (Keith) Herman of Reliance, SD, Randy (Janie) Baker of Steen, MN, Dean (Tracy) Baker of Luverne, and Londa (Rick) Krueger of Mankato, MN; brother, Douglas (Ellen) Olson; 16 Grandchildren, Mara (Skyler) Eriksen, Leah (Willem) Engelbrecht, Sara Herman, Keanu Herman, Sadie Herman, Emma Baker, Cole Baker, Kelsey Baker, Paige Baker, Riley Baker, Hunter Baker, Hannah Baker, Kaison Baker, Tyla Krueger, Levi Krueger and Nora Krueger; and 2 Great-Grandchildren, Lillie and Leo Eriksen; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Fern Olson.

Memorials may be directed to the Luverne Backpack Program or Generations (formerly known as Luverne Senior Citizens) Food Service.