Ronald "Ron" D. Baker

The world lost a man of immense humor, dedication, and heart on October 17, 2026, when Ronald Doyle Baker, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Elgin, Iowa, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 A.M. Friday, October 23, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, Iowa.
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Schmitz Funeral Home, Highway 150 South, Oelwein, Iowa, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Friday morning at the funeral home.
Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed in his name to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein or Parkinson’s research.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Ronald Doyle Baker was born on September 4, 1942, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Doyle Raymond and Opal Fern (Howard) Baker. He grew up in the community he loved, graduating from Valley High School before heading to Cedar Rapids for barber's college. Ron went on to own and operate Baker's Barbershop for exactly 46 years to the day. The barbershop was more than a business; it was a gathering place where Ron shared his robust sense of humor, swapped stories, and connected deeply with generations of neighbors.

At the center of Ron’s world was his family. He married Marlene Ann Ash on July 6, 1963, and across 63 years of marriage, they cultivated a home filled with joy and absolute devotion. He was an incredibly proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ron was his family’s biggest cheerleader, whose favorite sports teams were whichever colleges his grandchildren were attending.

When he wasn’t behind the barber chair or spending time with family, Ron was an active sportsman who loved hunting, trap shooting, fishing, softball, volleyball, and pool. He also found great joy in the patience and history of collecting antique tractors and cars.

Ron’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Marlene; his children: Dr. Robb J. Baker (Maria) and Krista Kleitsch (James); his grandchildren: Joseph (Tara), Paul (Hannah), USAF E3 Airman 1st Class Noah, Dr. Bethany, and Blake; his great-grandchild: James Raymond; his step-grandchildren: Derek and Dana (Brody); and his step-great-grandchildren: Enzo and Crew.

He has been reunited in peace with his parents, sister: Connie Johnson-Kohl, sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Nancy (Ash) and Fred Dufff.

Though his final years were defined by a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, he faced it with the unwavering support of his loving wife, Marlene Baker.