Avery Dean Baker

Avery Dean Baker passed away on January 28, 2019 on his 84th birthday at Eventide Sheyenne Crossings, West Fargo, ND. He was born in 1935 in Mitchell SD to Avery & Eva (Burns) Baker.

He graduated from Worthington, MN High School in 1952. From there, he continued his education at Augustana College and Florida State University where he received his master’s degree in mathematics in 1958. He married his forever love Helen Hausburg on June 6, 1957.

Avery taught math at Brookings, SD College. They moved to Owatonna, MN where he worked for Federated Insurance Companies for 11 years. Making Fargo their home in 1972, he worked for American Life & Casualty Insurance Co. as VP. This led to his job at Pioneer Mutual Life Insurance where he was VP and Controller until his retirement in 1996.

He developed a love for the game of golf and was a proud member of the Moorhead Country Club where he made many friends. He worked with the youth golf program and truly loved to see the young golfers develop in their game. His biggest joy was spending time with his family, grandkids, great-grandkids and enjoying all their sports and activities.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumor on St. Patrick’s Day 2017 and was given a few months to live. But with his persistence, positive attitude and his love for life and family, Avery lived for 22 months.

Avery is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen; son, Doug (Deb) Baker Fargo, ND; daughter, Shelly (Rob) Loos, West Fargo, ND; daughter, Pam (Jim) Jonasson, West Fargo, ND; son, Brad (Lynae) Baker, Henderson, NV; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Avery was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 1 grandchild.

Memorials may be sent to “Pray for Gray” or “Hospice of the Red River Valley”.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Eventide Sheyenne Crossings, West Fargo for the special care they gave Avery.