Obituary of Nancy Joan Baxter

Nancy Joan Baxter, 88, of Saint Paul, MN, passed away on July 24, 2024, at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Nancy was born on July 16, 1936, in Ava, MO. As a child, she lived in Louisville, KY, and her happiest childhood memories were the summers she spent on her grandparents’ farm In New Rockford, ND. She graduated from Richmond (IN) High School in 1954 and studied music and education at Ball State University.

Nancy met her husband, Robert (Bob) James Baxter, in college, and they married in 1956. They raised their family in Pontiac, MI, and Nancy returned to Oakland University in Rochester, MI, to earn her Bachelor of Arts with an education major. Her husband Bob passed away in 1980, and upon her graduation, Nancy moved to Saint Paul.

Nancy worked as a teacher and as a corporate trainer until her retirement. She enjoyed playing the bassoon, cooking, gardening, sewing, and traveling. She was a fan of the St. Paul Figure Skating Club and the Minnesota Twins. Most of all, Nancy loved spending time with her family.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, parents George and Vanetta Chrestensen, brother George Chrestensen, and sister Tamara Hogan.

She leaves behind her heartbroken children, Karen Miller Hartje (Dave), Brice Edward Baxter, Michael James Baxter, and Melinda Baxter Lane (Robert); her grandchildren, Benjamin Miller Reisman (Sean), Kyle James Lane, Kalvin Robert Lane, and Kelsey Elizabeth Lane, and her great-grandson, Miller Aiden Reisman.

Nancy was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and her final arrangements were made with the Cremation Society of MN. Her life will be celebrated privately with her family and friends.