David Grant Baker

Our beloved Baker patriarch, David Grant Baker, died on January 2, 2026, knowing he was fiercely loved by his family and friends. David was born on October 16, 1955, to LaVerne and Alma (Hall) Baker. His thirst for knowledge was apparent right from the start, later culminating in his reputation as a walking encyclopedia. He grew up on a farm near Gilbert, Iowa, and spent much of his youth with his grandparents, Russell and Loretta Baker, learning many skills and crafts that set David on a lifelong path as a jack-of-all-trades. The family later became complete as siblings Kent, Kenneth, and Christine joined, resulting in the most competitive team of pinnacle players you'll ever find.
After high school, David served in the Air Force and Air National Guard for 6 years, where he was an engine inspector and machinist, cementing his love for engines (military jeeps being his favorite to play with). Following his service, David apprenticed as a carpenter and began college at DMACC shortly after. David thrived in academic atmospheres, eventually enrolling at Iowa State University and achieving his Master's Degree in Agricultural Engineering. Although David's academic advisor pushed him to continue on to his Doctorate, life was calling, and he instead began his employment at ISU, as he was blessed with two daughters, Cathryn and Cynthia, from his first marriage.
On April 3, 1993, David was joined in marriage to his beloved spouse, Betty Kuhne, and gained two bonus children, Antonio and Jasmine Santiago. David continued his career as an Agricultural Engineer at Michigan State University, later moving states and jobs a few times before returning to Iowa and resuming employment with ISU, as the science of all things Ag was David's intellectual passion. In David's final years of employment, he worked as a welder at Almaco, where he was able to close his professional chapter by playing with machines again.
David found immense joy and passion in many areas of life - from tinkering with machines, spending time with lifelong friends, playing the part of the goofy uncle, becoming a prolific self-taught world historian, being an avid outdoorsman (affectionately called the Mountain Man), listening to classic rock and renegade country music, attending Rendezvous Festivals with Betty, and all things hunting with rifles and shotguns. But above all else, he loved his tobacco pipe and being Grandpa Dave. He adored his grandchildren, and they loved him tremendously; he cherished each moment he shared with them.
In David's later years, he suffered from medical issues, having had four strokes over six years. Although he was greatly impacted, his loyalty to his family was never taken from him; he expressed how much he loved us all up until his final days on earth. David valued the Baker family legacy greatly, and although we are utterly heartbroken, continuing to honor his legacy will carry us through.
David is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Cathryn (Isaac) Ehley, and Cynthia (TJ) Von Seggern; stepchildren, Antonio and Jasmine Santiago; brother, Kent (Vicki) Baker; sister-in-law, Mary Baker; grandchildren: Emma, Samuel, Matthias, Noelle, and Willa; and his dearly loved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell and Loretta Baker, and George Hall and Arlene Holts; parents, LaVerne and Alma Baker; siblings, Kenneth Baker and Christine Herington; and brother-in-law, Robert Herington.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone, with Pastor Jessten Heimer officiating. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery west of Boone following the funeral service.
Memorials are suggested to the family to be used at their discretion.
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 515-432-4550.