Don Gene Baken, age 95, died on July 5, 2026 at Estoria of Norterre in Liberty, Missouri.
He was born May 28, 1931 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, a son of the late George and Agnes Baken.
Don was a great athlete, enjoying many sports. His favorite was ice hockey. He began skating at age 4 and played the position of left wing through his years at Concordia College.
There he met Janet. He was surprised she would consider dating him. But, she became his wife for 65 years!
After earning a Masters in Business, Don became an educator. He taught high school for over 25 years. Don also became a pilot and flight instructor. The man loved to fly. It was a passion!
Always a good planner, he and Janet were both able to retire at 55. They built their dream home on 5 acres in the foothills of the Sierras.
Don enjoyed travel. He camped with his family throughout the western United States. Later, he and Janet took many trips to northern Europe, especially Norway and Sweden.
Don and Janet moved to Liberty in 2004 and became charter members of Hosanna! Lutheran Church. In Liberty, they enjoyed living closer to their children and young grandchildren.
Don is survived by his daughter Adrie Present Schupp; his son Grant Edward Baken; his grandchildren Kira Norman, Matthew Brown, Nicholas Present and Jack Present and seven great grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his wife Janet, his daughter Kari and his sister Lorraine.
The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, August 18 at 10am at Hosanna! Lutheran Church, 2800 North Church Road Liberty MO 64068 and livestreamed at
www.hosannatogether.org/baken. Coffee and dessert will be served afterwards.
Memorial donations to honor Don can be made to the Hosanna! Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
