Jack Baker

Jack Baker, 68, of Granite Falls, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, while visiting family in St. Cloud. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Granite Falls Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Friday, January 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the church with a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Jack Egan Baker was born July 21, 1957, to John “Jack” and Faye (Manee) Baker in Granite Falls, Minnesota. He graduated from Granite Falls High School with the Class of 1975. Jack helped with his dad’s excavating business before he and his brothers took over to form Baker Brothers Construction in 1989.

On May 10, 1986, Jack married the love of his life, Karen Hegge at Hawk Creek Lutheran Church in rural Sacred Heart. They spent 39 loving years together and were blessed with two children, Allison and Luke. Jack’s kids and family were his pride and joy.

Jack had a deep love for the outdoors and was a determined athlete. His zest for competition showed throughout his life. In high school he started with saddle bronc riding, then took up motorcross and snowmobile racing, he competed in the Winnipeg 500 snowmobile race back-to-back in 1978 & 1979. Eventually, he got into road bike racing and later turned his passion to mountain bike racing and cross-country skiing. He enjoyed doing these with his family. Jack competed in numerous ski races, completing 31 American Birkebeiners. He was always challenging himself and encouraging anyone that he took along with him, pushing everyone to give their all! To Jack, biking and skiing weren’t recreational activities, they were a lifestyle that led to many lifelong friendships. He leaves behind a legacy of adventure, perseverance, and appreciation for nature.

Jack was always there for anyone with a helping hand, and you always knew he had your best interests at heart. He was a hard worker who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was never one to sit on the sidelines of life and he was all-in on everything he did.

Jack is survived and deeply loved by his wife, Karen; children, Allison (Tyler) Trimpe of St. Cloud, Luke (Lindsay) Baker of Brownton; mother, Faye (Carl Ohliger) Manee; siblings, Jeff (Cindy) Baker, Margee Baker, Tom (Karen) Baker; mother-in-law, Joan Hegge; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Baker, grandparents, Delbert & Helen Manee; father-in-law, Selmer Hegge; and other uncles and aunts.

Blessed be his memory.