Jerry L. Baker died on November 23, 2025, at his home Pierre, SD. He was 76 years old.

Jerry Lee Baker was born, on August 30, 1949, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Kenneth and Betty (Gravning) Baker.  Jerry grew up in Sioux Falls and built his home in Pierre, SD after retirement. In 1969, Jerry was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, 1 O/S Bar, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After the Army, he joined the South Dakota Air National Guard. He retired from the Military in 1989 after 20 years of service. He worked as a Power Plant Operator for Sioux Valley (now Sanford) Hospital for several years and retired in 2012. He also owned and operated Baker's A/C.

On June 2, 1969, he married the love of his life, Patty Wagner. Out of this marriage, they had two daughters Karie and Sarah. They raised their family in Sioux Falls. After retiring in 2012, Jerry and Patty built their retirement home by the Missouri River in Pierre, SD. Patty passed away in 2015. After her passing, Jerry decided to change careers and become a truck driver for CHS in Pierre, SD where he worked until his death.

Jerry was a lifetime member of the VFW and was elected as a Trustee at Post 6790 in Wellton, AZ. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 8 in Pierre, SD.

Jerry and Patty loved to fish on Lake Oahe in Pierre and fell in love with the area. This was the area where they decided to spend their retirement years. Jerry and Patty became snowbirds and would travel to AZ and met many friends over the years.  Jerry loved to trail ride in his Side-by-Side in SD and AZ and found various artifacts on his travels.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughters, Karie Erickson-Baker (Julie), St Petersburg, FL, and Sarah Owan (Jason), Chester, SD; their children Laken Owan Vogel (Jordan) and their sons Jaeger and Jett, Sioux Falls, SD; Jacob Hauglin and his sons Cedryk, Atticus and Loki, Chester SD; Madisen Owan, Sioux Falls, SD.  His sister Suzette Whiteshirt, Sioux Falls, SD, his brother Bob Baker (Trudy) Church Hill, TN and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Patty, his parents, sisters Larae Honeycutt and Lorie Gerkin, brothers, Ritchie Jaques, Randy Jaques and Kenny Baker.

Memorials can be sent to: Sarah Owan, 23963 461st Ave, Chester, SD 57016

Per Jerry's request, the family will hold a Celebration of Life in Sioux Falls, SD and Pierre, SD at later dates.  A private family service will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.