Ronald James Baker

Ronald James Baker (Ron, Ronnie, Bakes, Uncle Ron), 77 years old, died Thursday May 18, 2023 at his Tulaby Lake home (Waubun, MN). Ron survived the Fargo tornado of 1957, a tour in Vietnam, a pickup- train collision in 1995, and a freakish encounter with a tree/dock smashing his right foot in 2006, but this time cancer was finally in charge. Ron was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in October 2019. He persevered through 3+ years of aggressive treatment (never defining it a struggle or battle), but by February the cancer had spread extensively, treatment was stopped and the focus was on Ron’s comfort. Just 8 days before he died, Ron was sitting on the deck, visiting with friends.

Ron grew up and lived in north Fargo most of his life. He was the youngest of 5 boys, all born within 7 years of each other. Ron told countless stories of his youth, antics with his brothers, playing hockey at Pershing rink, going to Grace City, ND and loving the time he spent with his favorite uncle Lorris. After graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1964, Ron was enrolled at NDSU before being drafted into the Army in 1967. While stationed at Fort Belvoir, he piloted barges on the Potomac River, which served him well at the lake. He was proud that he could land a pontoon perfectly, even in a strong wind. Ron served in Vietnam for 18 months. Ron married Esther (Larsen) and they celebrated 52 years of marriage this past year. Their lives were blessed with three children, Sara, Josh and Luke.

Ron was not defined by his professional career. After graduating from NDSU, he worked for the State of Minnesota Job Service for 35 years. To Ron, his job was a means to an end so he could enjoy other things. The Tulaby Lake home was his dream. He planned, designed and built multiple buildings (garage, guest cabin, wood shed) on this property bought as a bare lot in 1981. There are countless memories of family gatherings here.

Ron was a thinker, a planner and a builder . He was curious, opinionated and a problem solver. He hand dug the footings for our 4 season room at our home in north Fargo. His last project, a summer kitchen, was nearing completion at the time of his death. Our neighbors at the lake said Ron worked too much; but Ron would always reply “this is not work; it is just an activity”.

Some of Ron’s favorite activities were: cutting down trees, splitting wood, making the perfect bon fire (they were very big); gardening, planting and replanting raspberry bushes, and making strawberry rhubarb jam. He was known for making cookies (he had two for breakfast every morning), making pie with his mom’s crust recipe, and lefse making (with real potatoes). He shared countless holiday baskets filled with lefse, jam, homemade caramels and candy with family and friends.

Ron loved everything gold and green….he was an avid NDSU Bison football team fan and spent many hours at “farm camp” at the Tollefson farm in Churchs Ferry/Devils Lake, driving the best and biggest John Deere equipment.

Ron was never quite sure about an after life; but if there is, Ron is reunited with his parents, Lyle and Ruth, telling crazy jokes with his oldest brother Ike, and hugging his beloved daughter, Sara, who died at age 4 in 1977.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons and their families, Josh and Michaela, Boise, ID and Luke and Heather, Maple Grove, MN; his 6 grandchildren, Katie, Jack and Gavin Baker, and Britta, Seth and Lars Baker were loved more than you can imagine; his three brothers, Bob, Larry and George and their families, nieces and nephews…and countless friends, will miss him immensely.

The Baker family is forever grateful to the entire staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center, especially Drs. Preston Steen, Amit Panwalker and Sommer Nurkic. From the staff at valet parking, the lab techs, medical and radiation oncology, and the Infusion Center, you showed us the utmost care and compassion. The staff at the Palliative Care Clinic, VA Hospital, Fargo were beyond wonderful; thanks to Molly Byrne RN and Dr. Maynard.

For years, Ron and a group of friends met at Lauermans (Tuesday night meetin’) and in later years philosophising at Chub’s Pub; thinking the problems of the world would be solved over a beverage (or two). So if you drive by Chub’s on University, think of Ron, freely sharing his opinions and having a beer (bottles only, no IPA’s or light beer).

Esther, Josh and Luke request that memorials be sent directly to: Sanford Health Foundation (Fargo ND); please designate to Imagine/Research (Roger Maris Cancer Center)
Emergency Food Pantry, Fargo, ND
Salvation Army, Fargo, ND

A private interment will be held at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.

A gathering to Remember Ron will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2-5pm, with a program at 3pm, at the RiverHaven Events Center, 700 1st Avenue North, Moorhead MN.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND