Loretta Kay Baker, 70, Luverne, died Monday, June 3, 2019, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage of uterine cancer.
A memorial service was Saturday, June 8, at the American Reformed Church in Luverne.
Loretta Olson was born on Dec. 25, 1948, to Fern and LeRoy Olson at the Luverne Community Hospital. She lived with her family on a farm and attended school in Beaver Creek, graduating in 1966 from Hills-Beaver Creek High School. Following graduation she moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and worked for Western Surety.
On Nov. 3, 1967, Loretta married Warren Baker at the First Lutheran Church of Valley Springs, South Dakota. The couple moved to a farm close to Steen, where they lived for 43 years. Loretta helped in the milk barn until the barn burned down in 1973. She also was involved with a small hog confinement, which farrowed approximately 12 hogs. She took great pride in her operation. Loretta also loved gardening and canning. In 1983 Loretta began working at Tri–State Insurance (later Continental Western Group) in Luverne. Warren and Loretta sold their farm and moved to a small acreage on the edge of Luverne in 2008. Loretta continued to work until December of 2013 when she retired from Continental Western Group after 30 years of service.
Loretta was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. She enjoyed reading, attending Bible studies, teaching catechism, going to the lakes and trips with her family, Loretta enjoyed being a mother and grandmother and nurturing her family. She enjoyed baking and caring for her family. She loved sharing her faith with her children and grandchildren, attending their events and helping others in need. She loved to give of her time and served in any capacity she could to help others. Oftentimes she would bake things and bring them to others to brighten their day.
Loretta is survived by her husband, Warren; her children, Beth (Keith) Herman of Reliance, South Dakota, Randy (Janie) Baker of Steen, Dean (Tracy) Baker of Luverne, and Londa (Rick) Kruger of Mankato; a brother, Douglas (Ellen) Olson; 16 grandchildren, Mara (Skyler) Eriksen, Leah (Willem) Engelbrecht, Sara Herman, Keanu Herman, Sadie Herman, Emma Baker, Cole Baker, Kelsey Baker, Paige Baker, Riley Baker, Hunter Baker, Hannah Baker, Kaison Baker, Tyla Kruger, Levi Kruger and Nora Kruger; and two great-grandchildren, Lillie and Leo Eriksen.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Luverne BackPack Program or Rock County Generations.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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