Patrick Donovan Baker Sr., 1959-2021
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Sep 24, 2021 | 9:14 AM / 594 views
Funeral service for Patrick Donovan Baker, Sr. will be at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the Wakpala Community Center. Fr. Richard Zephier will be officiating. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church Cemetery under the direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge, SD. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle, Patrick Donovan Baker, Sr. (Walks Holy Man) journeyed to the Spirit World on Thursday September 23, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones.
Patrick was born on November 26, 1959, to Robert Baker, Sr. and Ella Gabe Baker in Fort Yates, North Dakota.
Patrick met the love of his life, Robyn Renz Baker, in Poplar, Montana and they wed on October 30, 1982. Patrick and Robyn were married for 38 years at the time of his passing. From this union, three sons were born: Patrick, Jr., Adam, and Damon. Patrick was a hard-working father and husband and instilled a strong work ethic in his sons through his loving example. He was employed at A&S Tribal Industries, Fort Peck Housing Authority, Spotted Bull Recovery Center, and Poplar Public Schools, in Poplar, Montana from 1982 – 2010. In July of 2010 he and his family moved to McLaughlin, South Dakota. He was very proud of his wife, Robyn, who became the first Indigenous McLaughlin Elementary School Principal in 2010. Pat was also employed by the McLaughlin Public School District in McLaughlin, South Dakota as a security officer where he earned his nickname, “Mr. Sir,” before retiring in 2017.
Pat loved his family and would do whatever he could to make life easier for them. He thought the world of his sons but had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren – he loved being called “Grandpa”. He enjoyed dancing traditional and was extremely proud to wear the bustle his son Adam made for him and beadwork that belonged to his eldest son, Patrick. He looked forward to dancing in the circle with his sons Adam and Damon. Pat also loved getting on his motorcycle and taking long rides. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, tinkering with cars, drinking coffee and visiting with family and friends. Pat was considered family by his in-laws in Montana and was “Son” and “Brother” throughout the 38 years he and Robyn were married. His radiant smile and joyous laughter will live on forever.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Robert, and Ella; brothers Franklin, Robert, Jr., and Charles; sisters, Annette, Alvina, Cathy, Leona, Carol, and Azalea; grandparents-in-law Moses and Angela Shawl; father-in-law Harold Renz, Sr.; and best friend, hunting buddy, and step father-in-law Victor Perry.
Pat is survived by his wife, Robyn, sons, Patrick, Jr. (Mary), Adam (Tamara) of Fort Yates, ND, Damon (Emily) of McLaughlin, SD, and grandchildren, Chante, Shayla, Chaske, Caylee, and Ashton; brothers, Francis (Tracy) of Rolla, ND, Lyle of Sioux Falls, SD, and Tommy of Kenel, SD; sisters, Francine of Sioux Falls, SD, Michelle of Wakpala, SD, and Connie of Utah; mother in-law Barbara Perry of Poplar, MT; sister-in-law Jeanine Renz of Poplar, MT; brothers in-law Harold, Jr. and Danny Renz, and Reggie Scott of Poplar, MT; numerous nieces and nephews; and large extended family. If we forgot to mention anyone, we sincerely apologize, as Pat was a kind soul and a friend to anyone he met.
Casket bearers will be Patrick Baker, Jr., Adam Baker, Damon Baker, Chaske Baker, Ashton Kidder, Harold Renz, Jr.
Honorary casket bearers will be “All his lifelong relatives and friends”.