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Patricia (Pat) Ann Baker, 76, of Storm Lake passed away on April 7, 2026, at Hospice House – the Josie Harper Residence in Omaha, Neb., surrounded by her family.
Funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 21, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake with a rosary at 7 p.m.
Pat was born Dec. 3, 1949, in Onawa to William and Bonnie Kelley. She grew up in Onawa and graduated from West Monona High School in 1968. She continued her education at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City.
On June 14, 1969, Pat married the love of her life, Ken Baker, in Blencoe. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two children, David and Kelley.
Pat dedicated her talents and warm spirit to many roles throughout her life. She worked as an administrative assistant for the USDA, served as a librarian assistant at St. Mary’s Catholic School, and supported youth and families as a 4-H program assistant with the Buena Vista County Extension Office. Her work was always marked by kindness, patience and a genuine desire to help others.
Pat lived a life rich with activity, creativity and community. She was deeply committed to supporting the youth of Buena Vista County, volunteering with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H, where she encouraged learning, leadership and confidence in countless young people. A longtime member of the local quilt club, she recently served as its treasurer. She also enjoyed gathering with The Woolies group and lent her voice to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir. Her dedication to service extended throughout the community as she volunteered with the SOS Store, Buena Vista County Fair Board, St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery Board and the Buena Vista County Extension Council.
Pat loved keeping her hands busy, even in her final days. She found joy in quilting, knitting, sewing and restoring furniture. She delighted in thrifting, tending her garden and traveling with friends. Above all, she cherished time spent with her beloved grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Bonnie Kelley; her husband Ken; her parents-in-law, Don and Bobbie Baker; and her aunts, Emogene Thibodeau and Bernadine Christensen.
Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her children: David Baker of Kansas City, Kan.; Kelley (Tracy) Bolte of Glenwood; and Marc Bartel of Sheboygan, Wis.; her siblings: Stephen (Barbara) Kelley of Annandale, Va.; Peggy (Richard) O’Toole of Lenexa, Kan.; and Mike (Marilyn) Kelley of Onawa; sister-in-law Linda Burks of University City, Mo.; and Nancy (Michael) Peterson of Martinsdale, Ind.; her grandchildren: Erika Baker, Andrew Baker, Austin Bolte, Spencer Bolte, Asher Bolte and Parker Bolte; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pat’s legacy of creativity, service and love will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
