John William Baker, 64, of Ada, MN, died in his home on September 12, 2017. He was born on November 14, 1952 to Kenneth and Arlene (Greuel) Baker. John was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Ada.

In 1971 he graduated from Ada High School. While in school he participated in 4-H, FFA, basketball, track and football. John was named to the All-Conferenced Defensive Team in football and also received many ribbons and trophies in showing Hereford cattle at local and state fairs. Following graduation he attended the University of MN-Crookston in Farm Management and also schooling in Kansas for certification in artificial insemination. On November 16, 1974, he married Shirley Brommenschenkel. Three children blessed their union; Ryan, Lance, and Sarah.

John was known by many for his big laugh and soft heart in remembering family members' birthdays often with sentimental cards, gifts or flowers.

His passion was the cattle ranching business. His dad and he traveled all over the USA and Canada as their family became true pioneers in the Registered Hereford breeding business. John was known to have a keen eye in judging and also picking out the best bulls to promote the Baker Hereford Ranch. It was in helping pick out bulls for Randy Owens from the music group Alabama that a friendship began. He cherished their talks on the telephone as he became more housebound. He was quick to share their latest music to many!

John was never shy to give advice. He was a Consumer Report buff and also spent many hours studying the Hereford and Angus Journals.

Sports were a staple in the growing up years for the Baker "7 J's". Many hours were spent playing with cousins and siblings. As this moved into organized sports in school to more importantly watching his own children's events, the love never wavered. NDSU Bison and MN Viking football offered many hours of TV watching enjoyment.

John loved his family and appreciated all the help they gave him as his body grew weaker. From being a strong man to one that needed daily care, his faith in God and love of family strengthened and kept him going each day.

John is survived by his beloved wife Shirley; son Ryan in Afghanistan, son Lance and two grandsons Braeden and Loagan of Dilworth, MN and daughter Sarah (Josh) Tommerdahl and two granddaughters Laila and Everly of Detroit Lakes, MN. He is also survived by six siblings, Jim ( Karn) Baker of Box Elder, SD, Julie (Jack) Olson of Owatonna, MN, Jeff (Leann) Baker of Piedmont, SD, Joan (Barry) Soberg of Fargo, ND, Jay (Coreen) Baker of Ada, MN, and Joel (Paula) Baker of Park Rapids, MN and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the care he received at the Sanford Inpatient and Outpatient Dialysis Team.

Funeral: 2:00PM, Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Friday from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a 6:30PM prayer service at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.