Donald Baker

Donald Baker, 78, of Bismarck, ND, died on October 23, 2010, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at McCabe United Methodist Church in Bismarck with Rev. Ray Baker officiating. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be from 9:30 – 10:30 on Thursday at the church. Donald Loyd Baker was born on April 18, 1932, in Bucyrus, ND, the son of Richard and Irene Koch Baker. He was raised on a farm near Bucyrus. He graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1950. On January 26, 1957, Don married the love of his life, Dorothy Kimball, at Bismarck Presbyterian Church. The couple lived and raised their family south of Mandan. Don worked at the Mandan Amoco Refinery for 33 years, retiring in 1989. After retiring, Don and Dorothy enjoyed many winters "snowbirding" in Arizona. They moved from their home south of Mandan to Dorothy's parents' original home and farmstead south of Bismarck. They renovated this home, creating a beautiful, warm setting for themselves, their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. On the farmstead, Don and Dorothy enjoyed many wonderful times, sharing their knowledge of the birds and wildlife in Kimball Bottoms with their many visitors. Don was very active in the Masonic Lodge in Mandan. He was a member of Masons, York Rite, and the El Zagal Shrine, Mandan Indians, O.E.S. He was the Rainbow Dad for the Local Chapter and a State Rainbow Dad for North Dakota. Don served as Master of the Lodge in Mandan, received the honor of St. Felix Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, served as the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest, earned life membership in the Elks Lodge, and was an Honorary Member of the Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers International Union AFL-CIO. Don and Dorothy were members of the First United Methodist Church in Mandan for over 40 years. Don was a current member of the McCabe United Methodist Church. His legacy of love and devotion for his family will always be cherished in the wonderful memories that he and Dorothy created for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His family and friends will also remember his fun-loving nature, infectious sense of humor, and positive attitude. Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife, Dorothy of Bismarck; his son, Daniel Laurie Baker of Mandan; his daughters, Lisa Frank Walter of Tucson, Arizona, Shawn Tim Portz of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Diana Gary Koppinger of Bismarck; eight grandchildren, Mandy Brad Fleck, Laci Weiss, Dustin Brittany Baker, Christina Walter, Frank Walter, Katelyn Portz, Shelby Portz, and Cole Koppinger; three great-grandchildren, Taylor Fleck, Paige Weiss, and Lukas Baker; one sister-in-law, Clara Baker of Bismarck; one brother-in-law, John Kimball of Bismarck; and one niece, Karla Holden of Bismarck. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Irene Baker; his parents-in-law, C.D. "Dutch" and Alice Kimball; one brother, Lawrence Baker; and one sister-in-law, Audrey Kimball.

Donald Baker

April 18, 1932 - October 23, 2010