Mike Baker

Mike Baker, a devoted educator, legendary coach, and "Jedi Master" of his own household, passed away on February 28, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center following a courageous four-year battle with cancer. He was 65.

Mike was born on February 4, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He spent his elementary years in Cedar Rapids listening to and loving Hawkeye sports. He moved to Minnesota for junior and senior high school, playing football, basketball, and developing his affection for ice hockey on the neighborhood pond.

He earned his teaching degree at the University of Iowa and became a cornerstone of the Grinnell community through his long career at Grinnell High School, where he served as a math educator. While he was known for his sharp mind and ability to simplify any equation, his true classroom was often the sidelines. Coach Baker led the Tigers through countless seasons as a varsity coach for football, girls and boys basketball, and boys golf.

Of all the wins he accumulated, his proudest moments were the seasons he spent coaching his own children. He balanced the roles of "Dad" and "Coach" with a steady hand, teaching AJ and Trent that the most important plays in life happen off the court. Even in retirement, his passion for helping others never wavered as he continued tutoring math students outside the classroom.

When he wasn't on the greens-walking the course, as he believed golf was meant to be played-Mike was a walking encyclopedia of sports trivia. He was a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, K.C. Chiefs, GB Packers, MN Twins, and Chicago Cubs. If not watching or listening to ball games, Sound Off, or sports talk shows, he could be found in the basement breaking down football or basketball films with his players, or catching yet another showing of Star Wars, with a bag of peanut M&Ms or a handful of chocolate chip cookies close by.

Above all, Mike's greatest joy was his family. He especially cherished his role of Grandpa and every moment spent with his grandchildren, whether playing games, strolling to the park, or sitting in the stands cheering them on.

Mike is survived by his parents Bill and Mary Baker of Mahtomedi, MN; his wife Barb; his daughter Allison (AJ) Bruns (with husband Jack); his son Trent Baker (with wife Megan); and his brother Tim Baker (with wife Patty). He was the proudest Grandpa to Graham and Ethan Bruns, and Henry, Ellie, and baby girl Baker. He also leaves behind his siblings-in-law: Becky Knutson (Jim Usgaard), Beth Sharp (Gordon), Brenda Schaller, Betsy Jepsen, Brooke Carter, and Bill Knutson (Mary); close family friends Lisa York, BJ Hoffman, and Bruce Kriegel; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Mike's life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Grinnell High School gymnasium with visitation held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and words of remembrance will be shared at 1:00 p.m. Please park in the west parking lot and enter the school through the (west) auditorium doors.

In lieu of flowers, Mike requested memorials be directed to the Grinnell Football Club or the Grinnell Newburg School Foundation (GNSF) and mailed to Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Mike's family online at www.smithfh.com.