Harlan K Baker (1926-2016)

BAKER, HAYS, VOLLMER, DAVIS, ROSS, FREMGEN, AMUNDSON, HARRIS, STUCKART, BENTLEY, STEIJN, WILSON, RUGGLE, PEDE

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 10/3/2016 at 07:57:43

Obituary from Memorial Services of Iowa, Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa:

Harlan K Baker was born on April 2, 1926, in Jefferson, Iowa, to Clarence and Vava (Hays) Baker. He died on September 13, 2016, at the age of 90.

K graduated from Jefferson High School, where he served as senior class president. After graduation, K served in the Army Air Corps. He received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, and a master's in industrial education. K was a member of Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi, Epsilon Pi Tau, Phi Delta Kappa, and Phi Kappa Phi honoraries. He retired from Iowa State University, where he worked as an associate professor and director of the Energy Extension program as well as acting director of Engineering Extension. After retiring from ISU, K was hired by the Des Moines Home Builders Association to develop energy-efficient programs.

K had a life-long interest in animals, especially reptiles. He was known to stop the car in order to rescue an animal that had wandered onto the road. He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed interacting with children. He was instrumental in organizing family reunions that were looked forward to by all. He was a dedicated volunteer to a variety of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Camp Fire, Army Corps of Engineers, First Christian Church, Boy Scouts, and Lions Club. He also served as a volunteer firefighter. K was an inspiration to others with his never-give-up attitude in the face of adversity. He was always there for his family and gave them unconditional support and love.

K is survived by his wife, Carol, and nine children: Shanaz Vollmer of Fairfield; Deb Davis (Steve) of Bondurant; Karen Ross (Mike) of Monmouth, OR; Charles Baker (Elaine Hood) of Conifer, CO; Bob Baker (Dorrie) of Williams, OR; Sean Baker (Dianna) of Manhattan Beach, CA; Renee Fremgen (Bill) of Boise, ID; Russ Amundson (Linda) of Boone; and Rochelle Harris (Jeff) of Thousand Oaks, CA. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Ian Davis (Keri Schlueter), Kelli Stuckart (Nick), Brian Ross (Malia), Becky Bentley (Daniel), Aidan Vollmer, Rachelle Steijn (Pete), Taryn Wilson (Jeff), Leah Ruggle, Samantha Pede (Thomas), Austin Baker, MacKenzie Baker, Zoe Baker, Will Fremgen, Waverly Fremgen, Winston Fremgen, Caleb Harris, and Riley Harris. K is survived by eight great-grandchildren: Ephram and Freya Stuckart, Bracken Wilson, Kailani and Isla Ross, Leo and Gabe Steijn, and Raelynn Bentley. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Gladys, and his sister Peggy.

Services will be at the First Christian Church in Ames on September 16, 2016. The family will be available at 9:30, with the service to follow at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, American Heart Association, or the Alzheimer's Foundation.

http://www.memorialservicesofiowa.com/
 

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