Obituary of Michael Dean Baker

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” -  Matthew 11:28

Michael Dean Baker, 77, of Farmington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4th after a three-year battle with cancer.

Michael (Mike) was born on July 14, 1947 to Dean and Gladys Baker in Minneapolis, MN.

Mike joined the Naval Air VR Squadron 21 and served his country during the Vietnam War.  After the war, Mike studied Social Studies at St. Cloud State University where he met the love of his life, Patti J. Petersburg. They wed in June of 1973, soon after graduation.  Mike and Pat went on to have 2 sons, Seth and Josh.  Mike and Pat were faithfully married for 52 years.  

After working for a few companies, Mike was fortunate to find a fulfilling 26-year career as a Juvenile Corrections Officer for Hennepin County.  

Mike enjoyed coaching his sons in sports, including coaching hockey for 20 years in the Eden Prairie and Chaska/Chanhassen hockey associations.  Mike was an avid golfer and hit his most exciting shot at Hazeltine National Golf Club scoring a hole-in-one on hole 17.  Mike also loved fishing with his family and friends.  Later in life, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports.

Mike was baptized on March 2, 2024, and renewed his relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.   “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again.” - Romans 6:8-9

Mike was preceded in death by his father Dean Everett and his mother Gladys Marie. He is survived by his wife Pat Baker, Son Seth Baker (Holly), and 3 grandchildren Brody 17, Dylan 14, Kenley 11, and Son Josh Baker.

There will be a private burial service at Fort Snelling with immediate family.  A celebration of life for Michael D. Baker will be held at John Hennen Pavilion at Antlers Park in Lakeville, MN on September 26th, 2024 from 3-6 PM with a short service and sharing of memories beginning at  4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society of Minnesota.