Jane Lee Wolff Baker

Jane Lee Wolff Baker, age 89, of Park Rapids, MN, went to be with the Lord Jesus on October 14, 2025, at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton, MN, where her kids and several grandkids gathered around her as she experienced the loving care of her daughter, Karen during her final days.
Jane was born on May 17, 1936, in Redwood Falls, MN, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Barnes) Duncan. She loved music at an early age and became pianist of Church of Christ in Redwood Falls, MN at age 12. She attended Redwood Falls High School where she played clarinet in concert and marching band. She also was on the Homecoming Court and became Snowball Days Queen. On June 29, 1954, Jane married Lowell Wolff, whose family also attended Church of Christ for many years. Their love for each other was evident for 54 years, when Lowell went to be with the Lord. Their loving relationship was blessed with four children.
Jane's love for music was evident in all that she did. Her children especially recall her singing "Til There Was You" to them when they were little. But playing piano and organ was where her love for music and her exceptional talents shined. In each town she lived in she became pianist or organist in a local church. She continued as pianist for Church of Christ, Redwood Falls, MN until they moved to Austin, MN. Even though her family attended the Church of Christ in Austin, MN, she got a job as organist of a non-denominational church that she said was great fun. Apparently, songs were not announced, and congregation was not told when to stand. So, she would start the songs with the first loud chord on a powerful pipe organ, and the entire congregation would stand. She would giggle as she told this story, stating it felt like great power. They moved to Park Rapids, MN in 1967 and bought a farm there in 1969, where she got a job as organist at Riverside Methodist Church for 10 years. She and Lowell were members of Church of Christ, Nevis, MN and then, Faithbridge Church, Park Rapids, MN during that time. Eventually, she became the organist of Faithbridge Church, Park Rapids, MN where she stayed for the next 35 years until her retirement in 2016. Making her service to churches throughout her life a total of approximately 68 years. Jane played for many weddings & funerals, including all her children's and two of her grandchildren's weddings. She also played for Community Band, Pine Avenue Jazz Vocal Quartet, Park Rapids High School Chorus, Northern Lights Opera, Upper Mississippians and Classic Choral while living in Park Rapids, MN. Besides this incredible musical service to her community, she taught piano lessons for at least 50 years to many children and adults alike. She was a member of the Park Rapids Music Association with many other local piano teachers. On January 26, 2013, Jane married Charles "Chuck" Baker of Osage, MN. They eventually moved to Willmar, MN to be closer to "Chuck's" children, who lovingly welcomed Jane into their lives. When "Chuck" moved into hospice care, regretfully no longer able to care for her, her son, David (Sharon) Wolff welcomed "Mom" into their home, back on the farm, where she lived for several months. David & Sharon cherish this time they were able to spend with her.
Jane was survived by her husband of twelve years, Charles "Chuck" Baker and his welcoming family including his children, Jay (Tommie) Baker, Ronna (David) Gravgaard, Dawn (Mike) Witt, all from Willmar, MN and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her children, Randy (Cindy) Wolff, White City, OR, Karen (Lyle) Kemi, Cloquet, MN and David (Sharon) Wolff, Park Rapids, MN, her son-in-law, Mark Anderson, Wolverton, MN, her brother, David (Janet) Duncan, Mesa, AZ, 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, her close cousin, Diane Verba along with other cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Lowell Wolff, her parents, Harold (Dorothy) Duncan, her daughter, Barbara Wolff Anderson, her grandson, Sam Kemi, and two great grandchildren, Fallon Dahl and Leroy Green.
Jane was greatly loved by her family and friends. Every time we hear the organ, a memorable song or piano tune, she will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held at Faithbridge Church, Park Rapids, MN on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life, with lots of music in her honor, will be held at Faithbridge Church, Park Rapids, MN on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 am.
Livestream is available at Faithbridgepr.org or Facebook site Faithbridge Church, Park Rapids, MN