Douglas Baker

Douglas D. Baker, 80, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 20th at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in 1943 in Grass Valley, California, the family moved back to Minnesota while he was still an infant; eventually settling in Saint Paul. He was a 1961 graduate of Wilson High School and built a career in the printing ink industry in sales working for Colors Ink., Kohl & Madden, and Sun Chemical.

Doug's garage was his sanctuary. That’s where he relaxed, read, worked on cars, and watched car races on television. Doug loved selling cars and competitive poker nights with friends he knew for over 40 years. Like many, he was a dedicated yet often disappointed Minnesota Vikings fan. The "Hail Mary" pass from the 1975 playoffs was never mentioned in his presence.

His interest in history and travel led Doug and Kay to places such as Normandy, Russia, China, and Vietnam. Doug ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain and took a cruise through the Baltic Countries. During their last overseas trip, they visited Prague and Berlin. Doug enjoyed spending time at his homes in Florida and on Park Point in Duluth, where he looked forward to boating as well as relaxing on his deck overlooking Lake Superior.

Doug is predeceased by his infant son Patrick Baker; his mother, Helen Carlson; his aunt, Eleanor Carlson; and his mother-in-law, Esther Callahan. He is survived by his wife, Kay (Callahan) Baker; his son, Mike Baker, and wife Angela; and daughters Molly Baker McPherson, and Meghan Callahan, and husband, Bryan Haakensen. He is also survived by grandchildren Josh and Logan Baker and Rory, Kathleen, Conor, and Quinn McPherson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Beyond Hospice in Oakdale, Minnesota. 

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 30th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Mueller Memorial Funeral Home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, followed by a prayer service at 5 p.m. and a dinner service at 6 p.m.