Michael Wayne Baker

Mike was born on March 31, 1948, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Milton and Margaret (Sayer) Baker. In 1972, he married the love of his life, Eleanor Miller, in Virginia. Together, they built a wonderful life and were blessed with three children: Shelly, Thomas, and Kristina.

Mike was a proud Navy man who served his country during the Vietnam War as a Navy Corpsman. He carried the honor of being a Purple Heart recipient and dedicated 20 years of service, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. While serving, Mike pursued his passion for healthcare, attending Physician assistant school and later earning his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He devoted many years to caring for others as a practicing PA, often making house calls because that personal connection with his patients meant so much to him.

Family and friends will remember Mike not just for his service and career, but for his warm heart and simple joys. He loved playing Rook, tending his garden filled with tomatoes and corn, and was truly a master of the grill—his grilled tri-tip was legendary, and we will all miss his secret sauce that made it so unforgettable. He was a lifelong Nebraska football fan who proudly cheered, “Go Huskers!”

Mike’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor Baker; his children, Shelly Renee Avila and husband Jim of Las Vegas, NV, Thomas Michael Baker and wife Donna of Lincoln, NE, and Kristina K. Mielke and husband Jeff of Columbia; and his six cherished grandchildren, Lindsey Cieleki, Tori Cieleki Campbell and husband Jason, Maci Avila, Kinsley Mielke, M.J. Mielke, and Grayson Mielke. He also leaves behind his brother Bill Baker and wife Beth of Torrington, WY, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved him deeply.

We also remember with love those who went before him—his parents, Milton and Margaret; his sisters, Faith Baker and Libby Lunniss; and his brother, Thomas Michael Baker.

Mike’s kindness, generosity, and love for life touched everyone he met. We will carry his memory in our hearts forever.

Services honoring and celebrating Mike’s life will will be held at a later date.