Richard "Rick" Allen Baker

Richard Allen Baker, 66, of Nicollet, MN passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by his family. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Northview- North Mankato Mortuary at 11:00am. Visitation will be held one hour prior. A reception will be held after the service at Lokre Repair, 220 3rd Street, Nicollet, MN. Rick preferred to live comfortably, so in honor of him, please wear flannels and jeans. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Association.

Rick was born in Minneapolis, MN on October 7, 1958, to James and Dorine (Marchall) Baker. Between 1965-1971 Ricks father was stationed in Green Lakes Naval Station area. In 1971, the family moved to Mankato where Rick attended school. Rick’s graduating class was the first full 4-year class of Mankato East, graduating in 1977. After graduating, Rick had various jobs before landing a career at Wis-Pak, working for 20 years. Later in life, Rick attended South Central earning an Associates Degree in Advanced Linux Administration. Rick enjoyed his volunteer work at PC’s for People. Rick retired early in life for health reasons.

In 1988, Rick received his first heart transplant at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. After many surgeries, Rick was placed back on the heart transplant list. In 2003, Rick received his second heart transplant, again at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Due to kidney failure from the anti-rejection medications from the heart transplant, Rick began dialysis. Rick attended dialysis three times a week for 13 years at the North Mankato DaVita location. Rick ended dialysis on October 23, 2024, to enter the St. Croix Hospice Program.

The family would like to thank everyone at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, DaVita and St. Croix Hospice for their unconditional support to Rick and the family during all these years and the final days of Rick’s life.

Rick enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, camping, and playing pool. Rick loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending Kayleigh’s dance shows and volleyball games and Brayden's t-ball games.

Rick is survived by his wife, Linda Baker; daughters, Jessica and Brandon Lokre and Kendra and Scott Eiler; grandchildren, Kayleigh and Brayden Lokre; mother, Dorine Baker; sisters, Renea Baker and Karen Doty (Steve); and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Rick is preceded in death by his father, James Baker, his father-in-law William Moritz and many aunts, uncles and cousins who are all playing cards together.