Jonathan “Jack” Baker

Bemidji, Minn.

Jonathan “Jack” Baker, 66, Bemidji, MN, died on Wednesday, April 3, at the Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, with his loving family at his side. He was born to William and Grete (Broten) Baker in Minot, ND on May 10, 1957. Jack is a graduate of Minot High School and the University of North Dakota.

Following the death of his father, Jack became manager of the family business, John Broten Lumber Company in Minot. The company was established by his grandfather, John, who along with his grandmother, Karen, had immigrated from Norway. At age 22, Jack was then the youngest man elected to the North Dakota Retail Lumbermen’s Association Board of Directors. Jack worked alongside his mother Grete until the sale of the company at which time he embarked on a career as a PGA Golf Professional offering instruction and managing golf courses in Nevada, Colorado and Minnesota. He also entered into the world of professional ice fishing by establishing the NAIFC – North American Ice Fishing Circuit – in which he ran tournaments for 13 years from New York to Montana. In the summers, he was tournament director for Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit and conducted tournaments across the US with Federation Angler.

The adventures of his life he shared with his beloved wife of 33 years, Michelyn. Together they scuba dived, played cards and drove endless miles on trips visiting family and to their girls’ swim meets. Jack loved making countless pieces of lefse involving friends and family, and making early morning ‘winning waffles’ and ‘fast French toast’ before swim meets. He loved teaching golf, enjoyed golfing with good friends and hosting neighborhood fish fries that became legendary.

Forever memories include: traveling with his son Geoff to Scotland to golf at Carnoustie and St. Andrews; proudly walking his police officer daughter Gennifer down the aisle at her wedding in September just days after his cancer diagnosis; teaching hundreds of kids to fish at ice camps with daughter Grete and watching her compete in college swimming; seeing his daughter Carrin compete in high school swimming and graduate from Army basic training after high school. In his youth he raced snowmobiles and hunted. He could build or fix anything. For all who knew and loved him, a friend for life, a helping hand, a protector. Jack gave a bear hug like no other! His life was an adventure and could be summed up with the motto “Go Big or Go Home.”

Jack is survived by wife Michelyn, son Geoff (Tiffany) Baker, Parker, CO and daughter Gennifer (Brian) Anderson, Detroit Lakes, MN both of whom he shared with former spouse Julie (Clark) Baker, and daughters Grete (Alex) Larmon, Denver, CO and Carrin Baker, Fon du Lac, Wisconsin, grandchildren: Xavier Baker, Kadence Baker and Hezekiah Anderson. Siblings: David (Cheryl) Baker, Sharon “Susy” (Brian Selland) Baker, many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held this summer in Bemidji.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 13, 2024.