Robert "Bob" Baker

Robert (Bob) Lee Baker, 81, left this world in comfort and peace, on March 10, 2025, under the care of Hospice in Nevada, Iowa. He was born on November 7, 1943, in Haverhill, Iowa to Everett and Lydia (Traube) Baker. He shared his family home with his brothers Jack and Jimmie Baker, and sister, Doloris (Baker) Jennings. After graduating from Laurel High School in 1962, he met and married Sandra (Sandy) Duncan, his wife of 60 years, on June 27, 1964. Bob retired from Fisher Controls after 35 years of employment.

Bob and Sandy lived in Marshalltown from the time of their marriage until 1993 when they moved to Laurel, Iowa. Bob resided at his home with Sandy until June 2014 when he moved to assisted living to better care for his needs. During his final days, he resided at Rolling Green Village, Nevada, Iowa.

The couple raised three daughters, Shelly (Terry) Forbes; Debra (Mark) Chatman; and Julie Baker, both of Des Moines, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife, daughters Debi and Julie, granddaughter, McKenna (Devante) Humphrey, and his four great-grandchildren: Jaiden, 10; Kyree, 5; Malachi, 3; and Laiklynne, 5 months, all residing in Des Moines, Iowa, his sister, Doloris Jennings of Marshalltown, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, and his daughter, Shelly.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather (Papa as he was lovingly called) and a loyal friend. His life centered around family and friends. In his younger days, Bob loved woodworking, hunting, camping, traveling, stockcar races, classic cars, Harleys, and mowing his yard (If you know Bob, you know!). Following his stroke in 1999, Bob’s love grew to include collecting Snoopy and Coca-Cola memorabilia, Hot Wheels, and t-shirts. Bob’s Bud Lights were also replaced with a Diet Coke can which accompanied his love of pizza, hot dogs, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones. Perhaps Bob’s greatest gift was (and still is) his ability to make people laugh. He was a prankster at heart and loved a good joke, a good time, and a good laugh (along with a few beers)! Bob was anything but formal. To pay homage to him and his interests, the family asks you to wear Snoopy/Peanuts (or any) t-shirt and jeans to the service.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, Marshalltown, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 12 and Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 13 at 1:30 P.M. Burial will be at St. Johns United Church of Christ Cemetery, 3103 Newby Ave, Haverhill, Iowa. A luncheon will be held at Mitchell Family Funeral Home prior to the burial. Condolences and memorial donations can be sent to 3827 4th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50313. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

- Lovingly written by the family