Gary Alan Baker, age 75, of Ogilvie, MN passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, in Maplewood, MN.

Gary was born in Grand Rapids, MN, he grew up in Cohasset MN. He was raised on Bass Lake at his family homestead, formerly known as Bakers Shadynook. Gary graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1966.  He started college in Michigan and realized that was not a good fit, as he wasn't wrestling. He returned to Cohasset and went to Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids and wrestled under Coach Backus.  Gary received a scholarship to Drake University in Iowa and received a teaching degree.  He taught school in Sloan, Iowa for two years before moving to Ogilvie, MN in 1975 and start his life there.

Gary had much love for his friends and family. He lived a life of "good living" and amazing accomplishments.  He was proud. He had a love for canoe trips to Quetico, harvesting wild rice, being involved in his Ogilvie community, deer hunting, watching the MN Twins, attending meat raffles and spending time at his cabin on Bass Lake.

Gary may have been a quiet man, however, while enjoying a casual afternoon on Bass Lake, he really enjoyed reminiscing about his life. Pontoon rides through the wild rice channel, always included stories growing of up and duck hunting. He seemed to recall exactly where his shell casings were at the bottom of the lake.  He bragged about his water-skiing skills, especially his slalom skills.  When the fishing boats were too close to his dock, he was quick to stand at the end and say, "It's a FIVE fish limit"!

Gary is a celebrity; Coach Baker. He had a strong love for wrestling, it was his passion.  He taught social studies for 32 years at Ogilvie High School. During his teaching career, he started a wrestling tournament in 1981.  He had a vision, a dream, a goal with his first tournament.  In 2023 his dream became reality. The tournament is now named "The Gary Baker Invitational Wrestling Tournament".

Gary was honored to be an influential leader in Ogilvie. He has served 50 years in his community.  This year marks his 17th year of retirement from Ogilvie High School. Gary served on the Ogilvie Fire Department for 36 years, as a First Responder for 20 years, and 30 years with MN Deer Hunters Association.  This year marks his 51st year as a Lions Club member.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert (Bud) and Clarabell (Tudy) Baker; Brothers, Robert, Kenneth and Melvin Baker and Sister, Linda Erspamer his Sister-in-law, Linda Baker Brother-in-law, Daniel Erspamer and Nephew, Keith Lemler.

Gary is survived by his children, Scott Baker, Cohasset MN, Cameron Baker, Warba MN, Katie  Arcenas, North Liberty, IA, his Sister, Cheryl (Denny) Lemler Cohasset, MN; Sister-in-law Brenda Baker, Cohasset MN, and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Service will take place at the Ogilvie High School on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2:00PM.  There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service.

There is also a Celebration of Life Planned for April 6, 2024 at the Eagles from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in Grand Rapids MN,

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Dresser Methven Chapel, Mora, Minnesota