Mark Joseph Baker, 84, of Hermantown, MN, passed away on October 20, 2022 surrounded by his loving family after a 9-year battle with Alzheimer's.

Mark was born on August 2, 1938, in Duluth, MN to Joe and Bessie Baker. He moved to Hermantown as a young child and graduated from Hermantown High School in the Class of 1956. During his school years he played basketball, was involved in many clubs, and was voted the class clown. In 1957, he started working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. as a cable splicer and retired as a PBX supervisor over 30 years later. He then started his own communications wiring company and contracted with the College of St. Scholastica for ten years. Mark served in the Air National Guard.

On May 26, 1961, Mark married the love of his life Sandra Beckman and they had four children together. They celebrated 61 years of marriage this year.

Mark loved hunting, fishing, and sports. He coached his son's little league teams and spent time watching his son's and grandchildren's sporting events. He would listen to baseball on the radio and watch the MN Vikings. He looked forward to fantasy football each fall and he would drop anything for a card game with his family and friends. But most of all, being with his family brought him joy and happiness.

After retirement, Mark and Sandra spent their summers camping and wintered in Arizona.

Mark is preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Baker (Benson); brother, Lee (Patricia) Baker; and sisters, Peggy (Cecil) Millerand Mary Jo (Hank) Vraa.

Mark is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Laurie(George) Kokora; sons, Brett (Lisa) Baker and Eric (Shawn) Baker; and grandchildren, Breanne Baker, Mikayla Baker, Brendan Baker, and Dylan Baker. Brother Ed (Judy) Baker.

The family would like to thank the staff at Benedictine Healthcare Center-Safe Harbor Unit for their care and kindness.

A family Celebration of Life will be held.