Kenneth "Ken" Baker

Kenneth LeRoy Baker, 80, formerly of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, November 19, 2017, in Denton, TX, enroute to his winter home.

He was born April 18, 1937, in Breckenridge, the son of Walter and Louise (Max) Baker. He grew up in rural Breckenridge, graduating from Breckenridge High School.

On February 21, 1955, he married Patricia “Pat” Hendricksen, in Moorhead. Ken farmed with his father, north of Breckenridge, for a time, then worked for Wilkin County on the survey crew. He later was the Produce Manager at the Red Owl Store of Wahpeton, was employed with Ligget Myers Tobacco Co. as an account manager, account manager for Max Factor and Revlon and later they purchased and managed the Ye Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant in Edwards. He was also the warehouse manager for ABC Seamless in Fergus Falls and worked as a locator for Lake Region Electric, retiring in 1999.

Ken was a member of the Fergus Falls Eagles and Elks Clubs, and St. Elizabeth Church, where he was confirmed at the age of 72. He, along with others, was instrumental in establishing the Otter Tail County Snowmobile Trail. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, snowmobiling, camping, traveling, animals and loved to jam with other musicians. He thoroughly enjoyed working on the farm for his daughter and son-in-law and woodworking in his retirement.

Next to his family, music was Ken’s life. At the age of 13, he had a radio show in Wahpeton. Later playing with the “Rhythem Ramblers”, then started his own band, with his brother Don, called “Harmony Aires”. He eventually formed the “Ken Baker Band”, retiring the group after 58 ½ years of playing together. For several winters, Ken traveled around the Texas Valley, playing for dances and events.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant brother and his son, Jeffrey.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; children, Teresa “Terri” (Paul) Tschakert of Kent, Larry (Janine) Baker of Aurora, CO, Kerwin “Kirk” Baker of Durango, CO, and Mark Baker of Battle Lake; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother Donald (Alice) Baker of Wahpeton and his current dog companion, Missy.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2017, at Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, with a 6:30 public prayer service, and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Breckenridge, MN
Clergy: Father Jeff Ethen
Interment: St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Elizabeth, MN
Funeral arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN.
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com