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BORN
1933
DIED
2025
Berta Baker Obituary
February 21, 1933 - March 12, 2025
Alberta Baker, 92, of Fergus Falls MN, died 12 March 2025 at her home in Plymouth MN.
Berta, as she was known to all, was born Alberta Jean Benkusky in Virginia, Minnesota to William and Norma (nee Kintner) Benkusky. After graduating from high school, she worked as an xray technician in Duluth and Minneapolis where she met Richard Baker, who was in his third year of medical school. She and Richard eventually married in 1963 while Richard completed his medical education and began to practice medicine. They moved briefly to Great Lakes Naval Base near Chicago, IL while Richard completed a two-year commitment as a Commander in the US Navy before settling in Fergus Falls in 1976.
Together, she and Richard raised three sons, Richard Jr. (Lisa) of Minnetrista, Christopher (Kelly) of Phoenixville, PA, and Jeffrey (Amy) of Bloomington, and were blessed with six grandchildren.
Berta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity. She loved to draw people into conversations to satisfy her genuine curiosity in what was happening in their world and also to share with them the many things that made her proud Fergus Falls and the Minnesota Iron Range, quilting, and most of all her children and grandchildren.
In 1999, Berta and Richard converted their cabin on Swan Lake into a year-round home, where they enjoyed many happy years. In 2019, they relocated to Plymouth, MN, to be closer to family.
Berta will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering support for her family, and for creating many elaborate quilts that she gave as gifts to her friends and family. She is survived by her three sons, their spouses, her six grandchildren, brothers Bruce and Richard and their families, many nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law, Dr. Doris Nagel Baker of Princeton, NJ.
The family has chosen to have a private service to remember Berta and Richard later this year. The Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels in Plymouth, MN are handling all other arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of Maplewood State Park, reflecting Berta and Rich's lifelong commitments to helping and encouraging others.
Berta's legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Berta Baker
Red River Theatre Organ Society
April 6, 2025
Berta and Rich were both avid supporters and charter members of the Central MN Otter Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society in Fergus Falls, MN, and were largely responsible for the installation of the 3/12 Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ at A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls, MN. The Red River Theatre Organ Society, which is the successor of the Otter Tail Chapter in taking care of this organ, is thankful for the time, efforts, and passion Berta put forth to ensure the Fergus Falls Community has been immersed in the rich tradition of the theatre pipe organ and we are honored to continue that legacy. Rest In Peace.
Steve Hoffarth
March 31, 2025
I am always thankful for Berta's kindness, and generosity of heart. May the Lord bless our memories of this kind woman. I worked with Dr. Richard Baker for quite a few years, and found he and Berta's friendship to be genuine.
Tammy Murdock
March 26, 2025
Ms. Berta was such a nice woman! I missed her when she left Fergus Falls and I´ll continue to miss her wit and her charm! Praying for all that knew and loved her!
Dale Englund
March 25, 2025
Berta and Rich were good friends of Beth and me. They even stood up for us at our wedding. Later Rich, afer his stroke, used me to help around their house on Swan Lake. Very kind couple that will be missed.
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Mike Donoho
March 24, 2025
My condolences to the Baker family. Although are 2 families go back several generations, I spent considerable time throughout Junior high and high school at the Baker house as friends with Rich. It is never easy to lose a parent but Berta lived a full and loving life.
Carol Lundholm
March 23, 2025
I recall many opportunities to visit Rich and Berta.
Berta was a gracious hostess and GREAT cook.
After Rich died, Berta and I would phone each other and talk for hours.
She was a master quilter and she
Love sharing her quilts with others.
Berta and loved to listen to PBS TV SND WE SHARED the love of music..
She was a warm hearted person who could engage.in conversation with anyone.
My heart goes out to her family, as she played an integral part in each family member.
She adopted my son Kent Lundholm, one of Chris´s best friends. There was always food on the table after the "boys" were through waterskiing. I will hearing her cheerful voice and wonderful conversations.
Lavonne Beckler
March 21, 2025
So sorry to hear about Berta. We spent many hours with Rich and Berta over the years and great memories of Swan Lake with our families. Thinking of all of you. Please contact us if you come to Fergus. Curt and LaVonne Beckler
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