Patricia "Patty" Jane Baker

Patricia “Patty” J. Baker, age 87, of Willmar, passed away on Thursday, January 1, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., followed by her funeral service at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.

Patty was born on September 19, 1938, in Benson, Minnesota, the fifth of eleven children born to Otto Sr. and Fern (Gepner) Puchalski. She grew up and received her education in Benson. At an early age, Patty left school to care for her younger siblings while her parents worked. She also helped with cooking and breadmaking at her parents’ business, The Pheasant Café in Benson.

On April 27, 1957, Patty was united in marriage to Norman Lloyd Baker. They lived briefly in Benson and Alexandria before making their home in the Willmar community in 1963. Some of Patty’s early jobs included working at Piggly Wiggly and serving as an Avon Sales Representative, but most of her life was devoted to being a hardworking homemaker, housewife, and daycare provider.

Patty loved to mother everyone—family, friends, neighbors, and animals alike. She enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, sewing, crafting, and watching her favorite soap operas with her daughter. She loved the outdoors, tending to her flower gardens, sitting in the sun, and caring for her birds and rabbits, never missing a day of feeding them. Family meant everything to her. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she loved getting together with her siblings for every possible occasion, especially birthdays. More than anything, Patty loved making sure everyone had a good meal. Up until her last day, she was still preparing lunch for her children on their work breaks. She was a truly amazing soul to all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her four children: Robin (and Janice) Baker of Willmar, Ronald Baker of Blomkest, Tim Baker of Willmar, and Melanie Garberich (and Gaylin Anderson) of Willmar; two grandchildren: Jason (and Christina) Baker of Renville and Taylor (and Tyler) Henkelman of Blomkest; and five great-grandchildren: Chase, Kolby, Lita, Tristan, and Desirae. She is also survived by one brother, Otto Jr. “Butch” Puchalski of Benson; five sisters: MaryEllen Hoefer of Benson, RuthAnn Cleary of Benson, Helen (and Dick) Lee of Benson, Joyce (and Jack) Verch of Pennock, and Shirley (and Tom) Razink of Clontarf; and former daughter-in-law Nancy Baker of Blomkest; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother- and father-in-law, Clara and Frank Baker; her husband, Norman, in March 2022; three brothers: Edward, James, and Raymond Puchalski; one sister, Beverly Hoffman; and an infant daughter, Rebecca Lynn.