Kristen Lynn Baker
BAKER, BACHMAN, MERTENS, MUNDT, BIGLER, YOUNG
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 8/28/2023 at 14:28:51
Kristen Lynn Baker, age 58, of Iowa City, Iowa entered into eternal life with Jesus on August 23, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after unexpected complications connected to her courageous battle against breast cancer. She was the most devoted, caring, selfless, thoughtful and compassionate wife, mom, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend that anyone could ever ask for or imagine. To know her is to know unconditional love, unending kindness and relentless positivity.
Kris was born on August 26, 1964 to Marsha and Richard Bachman in Grinnell, Iowa. She graduated from Grinnell High School in 1983. Kris then attended Iowa Central Community College, where she earned her degree in Dental Hygiene.
Kris worked as a Dental Hygienist for several years before starting her career at the University of Iowa Hospital of Dentistry and College of Dentistry. She held and was promoted to several positions within the University over the course of her 31 year tenure, and most recently worked for the College of Dentistry Business Office.
Kris had two wonderful children, Mackenzie Kimberly (Mertens) Mundt in 1994 and Dylan Troy Mertens in 1998 with Troy Mertens.
In 2005, Kris met her husband, Kelly Baker at the University of Iowa and married her best friend on October 3rd, 2009 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City.
Kris loved her family fiercely and lived for memorable moments, family traditions and time spent together. The comfort, humor and unconditional love from her best friend, better half and husband meant absolutely everything to her. Being a mom to her two loving children brought her some of the greatest happiness and utter pride. Becoming a grandma was one of the greatest joys of her life and a true bright spot in some of the hardest and challenging days. When she wasn’t spending time with family and friends you could always find her tending to her many flowers and plants all around her home - one her most favorite places to be. She also found great pleasure and solace in the many trips spent on the beach in Destin, Florida with her family throughout the years. Her two greatest sources of joy, hope, and comfort were found in her family and nature. We take heart knowing that Kris is now joyfully in the presence of Jesus for all of eternity and heard and rejoiced in the words “well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) when she met Jesus face to face.
One of Kris’ favorite sayings by her late aunt Martha that Kris looked to often and sum up the kind of woman she was and will always be remembered by, “There’s a brand new day before me, I treasure every minute. My eager arms reach out to hold each quiet joy within it. I feel my steps grow lighter and all my worries fade, as once again God lets me share this new day He has made.”
Kris is survived by her husband, Kelly Baker of Iowa City, IA; daughter Mackenzie (Logan) Mundt of Cedar Falls, IA; son Dylan (Rachel) Mertens of Iowa City, IA; grandson Beckett Graham Mundt; granddaughter Maren Grace Mertens; her parents, Richard and Marsha Bachman of Grinnell, IA; sister Kimberly (Matthew) Bigler of Cedar Falls, IA; nephew Quinn Bigler of Janesville, IA and niece Anne Bigler of Cedar Falls, IA.
Kris was preceded in death by her aunt and uncle, Greta and Dan Young of Denver, CO and cousin, Lisa Young of Denver, CO.
A celebration of life is planned for Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City with a time of sharing to begin at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be placed in a memorial fund that has been established in honor of Kris’ grandchildren as well as for a fountain and memorial plaque.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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