Donna M. (Paaverud) Baker

Donna M. Baker, 95, of Maple Grove, formerly of Kerkhoven, died Wednesday, November 26th at Havenwood Assisted Living in Maple Grove. A celebration of Donna’s life will be 11:00 am, Saturday, April 25 at Kerkhoven Lutheran. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Her laughter and love will echo in our hearts forever.  Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Donna Mae Baker lived 95 wonderful years filled with laughter, love, and family. Born in rural Sunburg to Albin and Mathilda (Evenson) Paaverud, she grew up with strong roots and an even stronger sense of fun. A proud Kerkhoven-Sunburg High School graduate and 1947 Homecoming Queen, Donna always had a sparkle in her eye. In June of 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, Sheldon Baker, and together they built a life full of family, faith, and adventure. From Alabama during Sheldon’s Army days to summers at Games Lake and winters at Victoria Palms in Texas, Donna embraced every season with joy and fun. She loved playing cards, golfing, cheering on her kids and grandkids at sporting events (especially wrestling), and cooking Norwegian holiday favorites like rommegrot and lefse. She never missed a Twins game or a chance to watch The Golden Girls. She loved to laugh with others. She welcomed everyone with open arms, ready to greet guests with a Gin and Tonic or Bloody Mary at the lake or a cup of coffee at her kitchen table. Donna gave her heart to her community—serving as president of WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church), singing in the choir, quilting, serving as general election judge, leading Cub Scouts, and volunteering at blood drives. She was a proud member of the Kerkhoven Legion Auxiliary for over 70 years. 

She is survived by her sons Kent (Judy) Baker of Corcoran, MN; Terry (Dianne) Baker of Lake City, FL; and Kevin Baker of Madison, WI; daughter-in-law Naomi Baker of Willmar, MN; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Sheldon (2007), son Tim (2002), parents, brothers Joseph and Arvid Paaverud, and sister Agnes Mikkelson. 

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