Phil Baker, age 84, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Sunday, February 26th, 2006 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Early United Methodist Church, in Early Iowa, with Pastor Carl Benge officiating. Burial will be in the Early Union Cemetery in Early, one hour before the service. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

Friends may call on Monday February 27, 2006 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present from 6:00-8:00p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Early United Methodist Church in Early.

Philip was born to William and Emma Marie (Ackerman) Baker on November 28, 1921 in Washta, Iowa. He attended high school in Early, Iowa, where he graduated in 1939. Phil furthered his education while attending Morningside College, Rose Poly Tech, Dartmouth, Columbia University, and Iowa State University.

On October 7, 1944, Phil married Nadine Hicks in San Diego, California. They were blessed with three daughters: Christie, Cheri, and Jane. He served in the Navy from September 9, 1942, until his honorable discharge in December of 1945. Phil served in World War II, most notably in the Pacific region including the Philippines, Okinawa (Japan), and China.

Phil was a loving husband and devoted father who took great pleasure in providing for his family. Over the years he worked as a farmer, grocer, woodworker, and most recently as an Agricultural Insurance Adjuster. Phil also kept busy in many other ways, serving on many church committees. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, and participated in the American Legion, VFW, Abu-Bekr Shriners (Vintage Wheels), SERPACI, and the Early (Crestland) School Board.

Phil maintained many hobbies including antique cars, woodworking, traveling, meeting people, Baker family genealogy, and playing cards with friends. He also loved to visit and tell stories. Phil’s lively presence and entertaining stories will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nadine; his daughters: Christie Anderson and husband J.R. of Radcliffe, IA; Cheri Johnsen and husband Randy, of Madrid, IA; and Jane Ausborn and husband Dennis of Mount Pleasant, IA. Grandchildren include Major Anderson and wife Jill of Madison, WI; Marshall Anderson and wife Kristi of California; Erin (Anderson) Kron of Stanhope, IA; Nicholas Anderson of Fairbanks, AK; Eric Johnsen and wife Lindsay of Ames, IA; Ryan Johnsen and wife Julie of Slater, IA; Sara Johnsen of Ames, IA; Daniela (Ausborn) Engelkes and husband Bret of Maurice, IA; Anthony Ausborn of Dallas, TX; and Jessica Ausborn of Mount Pleasant, IA. Great-grandchildren include Michaela, Katherine, and Samantha Kron; Carter Johnsen, and Conor and Kallan Anderson; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Margaret Held Baker, brothers: Weldon, Francis, Carl, and a sister Mary DeGarmo.